Social Democrats win Romania parliamentary election

Romania's left-leaning Social Democrats have easily won parliamentary elections a year after a major anti-corruption drive forced the last socialist prime minister from power, near-final results show.

Election authorities said on Monday that, with 99% of the votes from Sunday's balloting counted, the Social Democratic Party held about 46% and the centre-right Liberals were second with over 20%.

Chairman of the Social Democrats, Liviu Dragnea, spoke on Sunday after exit polls were published showing similar results, saying: "There should be no doubt who won the elections.

"Romanians want to feel at home in their own country and I want Romania to be a good home for all Romanians."

The Save Romania Union, a new party that ran on an anti-corruption ticket, finished third, allowing it to enter Parliament.