LJUBLJANA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- About 1.7 million eligible voters are expected to vote in Slovenia's parliamentary election on Sunday, with incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob facing a strong challenge from right-wing opposition leader Janez Jansa.
Poll stations across the country opened doors at 7:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and will close at 7:00 p.m. (1700 GMT). Preliminary results are expected later in the evening, according to the election commission.
Recent opinion polls suggest a tight contest between Golob's Freedom Movement and Jansa's Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), with smaller parties likely to play a vital role in forming a governing coalition.
The pre-election campaign has been marked by controversy. Observers described it as increasingly contentious, with allegations of corruption, foreign interference and the release of covertly recorded videos intensifying political tensions.
With no party expected to secure an outright majority, post-election coalition negotiations are likely to be crucial in shaping Slovenia's next government. ■