The electoral council told the Volkskrant on Monday afternoon it considers September 5 to be the first realistic date for the general election. A majority of MPs say the vote should be held on June 27.

However, the council is concerned that a June date would not give some parties enough time to get organised to fight a general election. It would also be difficult for new parties to register in time.
The Christian Democratic party is also concerned about an early date because it does not have an official campaign leader. Maxime Verhagen, acting leader since the last election, has already said he will not be a candidate.
The cabinet is responsible for taking the final decision on when the country should go to the polls. Under electoral law, after the collapse of the government there are 40 days for new candidates to come forward, followed by a further 43 days of campaigning, the NRC reported.
If the election is to take place on June 27, the list of candidates must be finalised by May 15.