The Netherlands is holding a three-day general election this month, which
comes after Prime Minister Mark Rutte has spent more than a decade in power.

His popularity remains high, despite his handling of the pandemic, and a
recent scandal that forced him to resign briefly.

But that support is showing signs of eroding, as the Dutch grow weary of his
government's tough COVID-19 lockdown.

The election is being held over three days, beginning from March 15th,
because of fears that busy polling stations could lead to a spike in
infections.

It is shaping up as a referendum on the government's handling of the
unprecedented health crisis, and political parties' differing plans for a
economic and social recovery.

If Rutte's conservative party emerges as the largest in Dutch parliament, the
54-year-old Rutte will be first in line to form the country's next governing
coalition, and to begin a fourth term in office.