Dutch election: Voters go to the polls in key test for populists

Voters are due to go to the polls across the Netherlands in a closely watched general election.

The race, dominated by Prime Minister Mark Rutte's centre-right party and that of anti-immigrant politician Geert Wilders, is seen as a test of nationalist feelings.

Mr Rutte said the election is an opportunity for voters to what he called"beat the wrong sort of populism".
 
Mr Wilder also pledged to take the Netherlands out of the EU, close all mosques and ban the Koran.

His Freedom Party had been leading in opinion polls but analysts suggest his support may be slipping.

In the run-up to the vote, party leaders have taken part in televised debates, with Mr Rutte and Mr Wilders clashing over how to stem immigration.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS