In the most recent opinion poll conducted by Ipsos and published by EenVandaag, the newly formed party led by former Christian Democrat MP Pieter Omtzigt, NSC (New Transparency and

Progress Party), is in a close race with the right-wing Liberal VVD (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy).

The survey, conducted at the beginning of September, places NSC at 27 seats in the 150-seat parliament, with the VVD closely following with 26 seats, representing approximately 17% of the vote share.

This poll marks Ipsos' first field research since Omtzigt launched NSC two weeks ago, emphasizing the need for transparent governance and addressing the cost of living.

Ipsos also indicates a decline in support for the Labour-GreenLeft alliance, which is projected to hold 20 seats. The farmers' party BBB (Farmers, Citizens, and Builders) and the far-right PVV (Party for Freedom), led by Geert Wilders, are both expected to secure 15 seats.

It appears that Omtzigt's party has gained support mainly at the expense of BBB, which has lost nine seats since the previous poll conducted in June, before NSC's entry into the political arena. The PVV lost four seats, the CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal) one, and the two left-wing parties have collectively lost seven seats.

The Peilingwijzer 'poll of polls,' managed by political scientist Tom Louwerse, places NSC in the lead with an estimated 26 to 32 seats, while the VVD and the left-wing block both fall within the range of 22 to 26 seats.

Another prominent polling organization, I&O, had previously placed NSC and the Labour-Green alliance ahead in its most recent poll, with the VVD in third place.

The current projection for the coalition parties shows them winning a combined total of 46 seats, with D66 (Democrats 66) securing 10 seats, and both the CDA and ChristenUnie with five seats each. The animal rights party PvdD (Party for the Animals) is expected to garner nine virtual seats or 6% of the vote, making them the sixth-largest party.

The political landscape is dynamic, with shifting alliances and the emergence of new parties, making the upcoming elections highly competitive and unpredictable. Photo by Zairon, Wikimedia commons.