Slovenia faces coalition talks after tight election leaves no clear winner

Slovenia is heading toward another coalition government after a closely contested parliamentary election delivered no clear winner. 

With more than 90% of votes counted, preliminary results show opposition leader Janez Janša's populist Slovenian Democratic Party narrowly ahead with around 29 seats, followed closely by Prime Minister Robert Golob's liberal Freedom Movement with about 28 seats.

Neither party is close to the 46 seats required for a majority in Slovenia's 90-seat parliament, leaving smaller parties that cross the 4% threshold in a decisive position as coalition negotiations begin. 

Turnout is estimated at around 70%, higher than in the previous election, reflecting strong voter mobilization following a polarised campaign marked by political tensions and competing visions for the country's future.

Janša addressed supporters after early projections confirmed a tight race, describing the result as expected.

He said: "The results from these exit polls were as expected. At this moment it is a tight race, the situation is predictable, as it is the same as in 2011 or 2012. A fact is there are only two alternatives: Either the government continues as it has been until now, or the government is formed around the Slovenian Democratic Party."

Across the country, voters queued throughout the day to cast their ballots, highlighting the significance of the election. Many cited stability, social policies, and political direction as key concerns.

"I expect the outcome to be what I voted for, and that's peace, disarmament, public health and education, social needs – all of this for a better world," said Darja, a voter from Ljubljana.

"The outcome is for the right political party to win. Because the left-wing political party didn't turn out the way we expected them to be," said Marko, another voter.

"I think there would be some stability, and if there would be some continuity, that would be good for Slovenia as well. But nobody is ideal, so we are picking the lesser evil out of them," said Bojan.

Prime Minister Golob, whose party appears to have lost ground compared to the previous election, called for unity after voting.

"As I said before: follow your heart, feed it with love for your country, and the path ahead will be clear," he said.

With both leading parties securing roughly similar levels of support, the results point to a deeply divided electorate and a fragmented political landscape. 

Smaller parties are now expected to play a key role in forming the next government, with negotiations likely to take weeks.