Swedish Party Blocs in Dead Heat After Sunday’s Election, Projections Indicate
BBC News
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Sweden’s general election outcome remains undecided, with the left-wing bloc slightly ahead in the polls as ballot counting continues.
With over 90% of ballots processed on Monday, the left-wing bloc leads by approximately 20,000 votes. Projections from Sweden’s electoral authority suggest Social Democrat candidate Magdalena Andersson could secure a three-seat majority over the rival four-party conservative coalition led by incumbent Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Kristersson, backed by the hard-right Sweden Democrats (SD), which have neo-Nazi roots, has pledged cabinet positions for the SD if he retains power.
Early on Monday, Kristersson acknowledged the race’s closeness, stating, "The voters have had their say, but we still don’t have a final result. Which government will lead Sweden in the coming years is still an open question."
No major media outlets have declared a winner.
Sweden employs a proportional representation system for its parliamentary elections, meaning coalition governments are common.
Andersson, leader of Sweden’s main opposition party, urged supporters to await the final result, but indicated that if the current lead holds, "Sweden will have a new government."
Notably, the Sweden Democrats had been shunned for years until 2022, when they emerged as the country’s second-largest party, campaigning on themes of violent crime and immigration.
As of Monday, early count results suggest both Andersson‘s Social Democrats and the Sweden Democrats are experiencing declines in support. Other parties in the left-wing bloc, including the Left Party, Greens, and Centre Party, have seen gains. Turnout was approximately 80%, a four-point drop from the 2022 election.
After voting on Sunday, Andersson presented the Swedish public with a choice: "Should we have a government entirely dominated by the Sweden Democrats, something that has never happened in Sweden before? Or should we have a government led by me, which will steer Sweden in a new spirit of cooperation?"
Kristersson, emphasizing the importance of continuing his coalition’s work, said, "I think there is a genuine enthusiasm for us being able to continue our important work."
