Thailand’s ruling Bhumjaithai party took a strong lead in Sunday’s general election, winning about 194 seats with roughly 93% of polling stations reporting, according to unofficial results.

The total falls short of the 251 seats needed to form a government outright, meaning the party will likely need coalition partners.

The progressive People’s Party came in second with 116 seats, while Pheu Thai, linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, placed third with 76 seats.

Pheu Thai is widely expected to join a Bhumjaithai-led coalition if invited, the AP has reported.

The vote took place amid slow economic growth and rising nationalist sentiment, with only three major parties emerging as serious contenders nationwide.