Voters in Slovenia cast ballots in a tightly contested parliamentary election that could shift the country’s political direction. Prime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement is facing the right wing Slovenian Democratic Party led by former premier Janez Jansa, with polls suggesting neither side will secure a clear majority in the 90 seat parliament.

The campaign has been overshadowed by allegations of foreign interference involving secret video recordings that allegedly targeted the government. Reports have linked a private intelligence agency to visits in Slovenia and to contacts with Jansa’s circle, claims he has denied. Golob has called for a broader European Union investigation, warning that foreign meddling threatens democratic processes across Europe.

The outcome is expected to resonate beyond the country of two million people. Golob has positioned himself as a strong liberal voice within the European Union, while Jansa is aligned with nationalist leaders in the region and has faced past criticism over media freedom and rule of law concerns. Analysts say the result remains uncertain in a nation long marked by political polarization and frequent shifts in power since independence in 1991.