THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- In a stunning political upset reminiscent of World War II, far-right and anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders is on track to secure a landslide victory in the Dutch parliamentary election, according to an exit poll released today. This unexpected outcome is expected to send shockwaves throughout Europe, as Wilders emerges as a potential prime minister and leader of a new ruling coalition amidst a backdrop of political turbulence in the region.

According to the national broadcaster NOS, Wilders' Party for Freedom has won 35 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, more than double the 17 seats it secured in the previous election. The surge in support for Wilders reflects voter frustration and a desire to address what he calls the "asylum tsunami" and the issue of migration that dominated the campaign.

Wilders, jubilant in his victory, declared, "Voters have said 'we are sick of it. Sick to our stomachs.'" He called on other parties to engage constructively in coalition talks, emphasizing his commitment to act within the law and constitution.

The closest opposition to Wilders' Party for Freedom comes from a center-left alliance of the Labor Party and Green Left, which is projected to secure 26 seats. However, with his strong electoral mandate, Wilders' negotiating power in forming a coalition government is significantly bolstered.

Noteworthy features of Wilders' election program include calls for a referendum on the Netherlands leaving the European Union, a complete halt to accepting asylum-seekers, and strict border controls to prevent the entry of migrants. Moreover, his campaign highlighted a policy of "de-Islamization," although Wilders has adopted a more moderate tone towards Islam this election season.

Wilders' victory carries significant implications for Europe, as it is the latest development in a shifting political landscape across the continent. Populist and hard-right parties have seen both successes and defeats in recent elections, from Slovakia and Spain to Germany and Poland.

The Dutch election was triggered by the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte's coalition government, following a failure to reach consensus on migration policies. Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, a former refugee from Turkey, could have become the country's first female prime minister, but her party is projected to lose 11 seats, ending up with 23.

While mainstream parties remain reluctant to forge alliances with Wilders and his Party for Freedom, his resounding victory grants him a stronger position in negotiations. The formation of a coalition government will be critical for Wilders before he can assume the prime ministerial office.

The accuracy of the exit poll, provided by Ipsos, has a margin of error of up to three seats, but is generally considered to be accurate within one or two seats. The unexpected and decisive outcome of this election underscores the shifting dynamics in Dutch politics and Europe as a whole.