Election Surprise
7
Positive Slovenia won 28.5% of the vote or 28 seats in the 90-strong legislature, show the results after nearly all the ballots were counted, on a turnout of 64.6%.
Janković attributed his success to a "focus on the platform and the team" rather than scandals, arguing that his victory was "evidence that Slovenia will go in the right direction".
Although securing 26.2% of the vote and 26 seats, the Democrats (SDS) of Janez Janša are the main losers, having ranked as the firm favourites in all public opinion polls ahead of the vote and facing the most unpopular outgoing government on record.
Janša conceded defeat but expressed his view that the outcome will lead to a fragmented coalition that will not be up to the challenges ahead. "Slovenia can probably expect another early election," he said. The Social Democrats (SD) of the outgoing PM Borut Pahor garnered 10.5% and 10 seats, which Pahor said was better than expected, while the Citizens' List of Gregor Virant secured 8.4% and eight seats. Pahor, whose government was ousted on 20 September after a failed vote of confidence in parliament, said that the result confirmed that the people were aware that he had led the government during difficult times.
Virant, who like Janković entered the race less than two months ago, labelled the showing of the fledgling party a success. Three more parties made it to parliament: the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) won 6.97% and six seats, the People's Party (SLS) 6.9% and six seats and New Slovenia (NSi) 4.8% and four seats.
The left-leaning combination of Positive Slovenia and SD has 38 votes, while the right-leaning bloc, the so-called Spring parties, has 36. This probably means that the centrist Virant and the SLS or DeSUS will play the role of kingmakers.
Pahor would not say whether his SocDems would enter a coalition with Janković's Positive Slovenia, but expressed readiness for talks. Meanwhile, Virant said that his party was open for everybody who would accept its terms. "Any coalition is possible, but only under clear terms." Crucially, Virant's party indicated they aim at the ministries of justice and the interior.
Party vice-president Janez Šuštersic said Positive Slovenia had maintained during the campaign that "corruption in the country is not a problem", which is why it must not control the two key departments. DeSUS has been in almost governments since 1992 but it is considered a tricky partner with its stubborn insistence on protecting pensioners' rights, which is all the more problematic since curtailing spending will have to be the main task of the new government.
The SLS, which has been in centre-right as well as centre-left coalitions, has also suggested it was willing to enter into coalition talks with Jankovic.
Janković is already facing calls to put together a firm coalition and quickly embark on much needed reforms.
Head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) Samo Hribar Milič hopes the next prime minister will be able to form a sufficient majority to make quick and bold decisions.
Hribar Milič's main concern is that coalition bargaining will lead to concessions to small partners in the ruling coalition, which could hurt the reform process.
The unions, on the other hand, are warning the winner to take social partners seriously and fulfil his campaign promises.
The elections were not problem-free as 100 ballots were stolen over night in Tržič, forcing the National Electoral Commission to close polls in the area for an hour in the afternoon and extending voting until 8 PM.