Swedish Opposition Holds Narrow Lead in Tight Election Race

Sweden’s general election remained unresolved as preliminary results put the left-wing opposition bloc narrowly ahead of the alliance led by conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. With more than 90% of ballots processed, Sweden’s electoral authority projected the left bloc to hold 176 seats in the 349-seat Riksdag, compared with 173 for the right-wing grouping.

Former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, leader of the Social Democrats, acknowledged the small margin early Monday. “It looks like it will be very close,” she told reporters, adding that her party was currently in the lead and that Sweden would have a new government if the result was confirmed.

The outcome is not expected to be final until Wednesday, when late-arriving advance ballots and votes from abroad are included. The BBC reported that about 28,000 votes separated the blocs in the preliminary count, meaning the additional ballots could still alter the balance. No major media outlets had declared a winner.

Kristersson told supporters that voters had spoken but that it remained unclear which government would lead Sweden. He said he would contact other party leaders about possible coalition discussions. His alliance includes the Sweden Democrats, a hard-right party that Kristersson had offered potential cabinet positions if his side retained power.

The Sweden Democrats appeared to have lost support compared with the previous election, despite campaigning on immigration and violent crime. DW reported that the party was receiving 17.9% of the vote, down from 20.5% in 2022. The Social Democrats were projected to win 28%, which would be their weakest result in more than a century.

The campaign focused on national security, gang crime, immigration, welfare spending and rising living costs. Turnout exceeded 80%, according to DW, while the BBC reported an approximate turnout of 80%, lower than in 2022. The final result will determine whether Andersson’s opposition can return to power after four years or whether Kristersson can continue leading the right-wing coalition.