With just a couple of days to go before the crucial provincial elections, the latest poll of polls shows the ruling VVD inching ahead while support has fallen for the anti-immigration PVV and Liberal democratic party D66.

The poll, which is compiled on the basis of four national opinion polls, puts the VVD on between 15.3% and 18%, while the PVV and D66 are on target to win between 14% and 17% of the vote.

The improved VVD performance is due largely to a sharp rise in support on Maurice de Hond’s online poll, where the VVD has been trailing in recent weeks.

Poll of polls (peilingwijzer) compiler Tom Louwerse told broadcaster Nos that De Hond’s compilation method – based on respondents who have registered their wish to be included – may have skewed the results.

The latest results also show the VVD has not been hurt by the resignations of justice ministers Ivo Opstelten and Fred Teeven, Louwerse said.

The Netherlands goes to the polls to elect 12 new provincial councils and representatives for the country’s 23 water boards on March 18.

More information on the provincial elections

Who can vote in the provincial and water board elections

Information from The Hague city council

Information from Amsterdam city council

How to vote for the water boards (information in English)