Officials in local council area Son en Breugel have been ordered by judges to open more polling stations than planned during next month’s referendum on the EU’s treaty with Ukraine.

The case was brought by anti-treaty lobby group Forum voor Democratie which was angry the council was only planning to open three polling stations – seven less than at the 2012 general election.

The court ruled that opening so few polling stations would make it more difficult for people to vote. ‘Great care needs to be taken in organising voting at elections and referendums to avoid the results being influenced, whether intentionally or not,’ the court said.

At least 30% of the electorate need to vote in the April 6 referendum for the results to have any weight.

Last week, judges ruled that Oldenzaal council could go ahead with its plan to open just five polling stations.