ISTANBUL

Slovenia’s ruling liberal party secured a narrow victory over conservatives in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, according to local media, as nearly all votes were counted.

Prime Minister Robert Golob’s center-left Freedom Movement won 28.62% of the vote, narrowly ahead of former right-wing populist leader Janez Jansa’s Slovenian Democratic Party, which received 27.95%, broadcaster RTV reported.

With 99.85% of ballots counted, the Freedom Movement is set to win 29 seats, while the Slovenian Democratic Party is expected to secure 28 in the 90-seat parliament.

Voter turnout was reported at nearly 70%.

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar congratulated Golob on his victory on the US social media platform X.

“Heartfelt congratulations to the Freedom Movement, the relative winner of the elections. I have already called the party president, Dr. Robert Golob, and personally congratulated him,” Musar wrote.

Postal votes within Slovenia will be counted on Monday, while ballots from abroad are expected to be counted on March 30, finalizing the results.