Romania could be set for a coalition government after this weekend's general election.

Latest results show that the government has so far polled less than a fifth of the popular vote, while the Liberal Democrats and Social Democrats have a third each.

If this turns out to be the final result, no party would have a clear parliamentary majority, opening the way for talks on a possible coalition.

Despite the lack of a clear leader in the contest so far, the Social Democrats have continued to express optimism.

Party leader Mircea Geoana commented: "We will form a government with our prime minister.

"We will win elections. Nothing has changed from last night."

He added that a strong government is needed to tackle the ongoing crisis in the global economy.

Last week, Nicolaie Alexandru-Chidesciuc of ING Bank Romania warned that the Romanian opposition parties are benefiting from the financial turmoil.

However, he told Bloomberg that a victory for the Social Democrats would be bad for the country, as they would not promote fiscal responsibility.