D66 is poised to become the largest party in the House of Representatives elections, according to party leader Rob Jetten, who hailed the expected outcome as a “historic result.” Despite the official results still pending, preliminary data suggests D66 has surpassed the PVV in votes.

The final outcome hinges on the formal announcement next week, as well as the results from Venray, where a partial recount is underway, and postal votes from abroad. While Venray traditionally favors the PVV, D66 typically performs well with postal voters.

News agency ANP has already concluded that D66 will emerge as the largest party. Jetten expressed confidence in ANP’s assessment, even before the definitive count.

While a residual seat could potentially increase D66’s seat count to 27 compared to PVV’s 26, the difference in total votes between the two parties may be immaterial. Given that all major parties have excluded Wilders, the PVV will likely not participate in the formation of a new government.

As the projected largest party, D66 gains the initiative to appoint an explorer, a move expected to occur next Tuesday. This development could expedite the government formation process.