British News Agency

This result could pave the way for the country’s first openly gay prime minister.

According to an early Thursday estimate, with more than 90% of votes counted, both D66 and Wilders’ Freedom Party are heading toward 26 seats in the 150-member parliament.

Initial exit polls showed Jetten in the lead. He told his supporters, “Millions of Dutch people have turned a new page; they said goodbye to the politics of negativity.”

Previously downbeat, Wilders admitted losing at least 10 seats and said the result was not what he had hoped for, but still marked his second-best performance ever.

Conservative liberals followed with 22 seats, while other parties — including the left-wing Green-Labour alliance and the Christian Democrats — were not far behind.

Wilders led in polls throughout the campaign, but after dissolving his coalition in June due to a dispute over asylum and migration, all mainstream leaders made clear they would not work with him again.

It is considered unlikely that he will form a government on his own, and even without a clear victory, Jetten — who ran an impressive campaign — is seen as more likely to lead the next administration.

Just weeks ago, polls gave D66 only 12 seats, but the photogenic 38-year-old liberal leader capitalized on strong performances in televised debates and interviews.

His appearance on the TV quiz show “The Smartest Person” in the weeks before the vote further boosted his public profile.

Despite the festive atmosphere among supporters, Jetten refrained from declaring victory on Wednesday night.

Dilan Yeşilgöz’s conservative-liberal VVD also appeared to have a successful night in third place, potentially setting the stage for a coalition led by Jetten.