Austria's far-right FPO leads in general election: Preliminary results

By Askin Kiyagan

VIENNA, Austria (AA) - The far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) leads with 29.1% of the votes in Austrian general elections, according to unofficial initial results.

According to an exit poll shared by the public broadcaster ORF, with 40% of the votes counted, the voter turnout is reported to be 78.1%.

The FPO, which has consistently been shown in first place in polls since the election date was announced, is leading with 29.1% of the vote.

The ruling coalition's major partner, the center-right Austrian People's Party (OVP), follows in second place with 26.3%, while the Social Democratic Party (SPO) is in third with 20.6%.

The smaller coalition partner, the Green Party, has received 8.8%, and the liberal The New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS) is at 9%.

These results indicate that for the first time since World War II, the far-right party is leading a general election in the country.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli in Istanbul