Czech Socialists Score Difficult Election Victory

The Czech Social Democrats (CSSD) have won general elections in the Czech Republic by a narrow lead, according to exit polls.

The Social Democrats are first, with some 22% of the votes, which were cast Friday and Saturday.

A surprise second comes with the new, populist ANO party led by billionaire Andrej Babis, which gets some 18%.

The Communist Party (KSCM), which was expected to make a breakthrough, comes third with 16%.

The Social Democrats can choose to opt for a minority government, but are more likely to seek coalition.

Negotiations are expected to be difficult, but media sources said the first rounds of talks have already begun.

The rightists Civic Democrats (ODS) of resigned former PM Petr Necas, have slumped to 7.5%, while their former coalition partner Top09 scored better, with 11.5%.