Sweden’s election too close to call after late right-wing surge

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Sweden Election Too Close To Call As Centre-Left Leads

   Sweden's general election remains too close to call as vote counting continues, with the centre-left opposition bloc holding a razor-thin lead over the right-wing bloc. Initial polls and early projections from the election authority placed the blocs neck and neck, with leads fluctuating between a single seat and three seats as ballots are processed. The hard-right Sweden Democrats are eyeing their first potential role in government alongside current Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson's opposition parties or under a right-wing coalition.

   Why it matters

   The parliamentary election decides control of the legislature in a nation where political priorities are shifting. The hard right's historic bid for a role in government brings immigration and crime debates to the forefront of Swedish politics. Final outcomes depend on uncounted ballots and subsequent coalition negotiations between the competing blocs.

   What is confirmed

   • Sweden's centre-left opposition bloc led by Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson holds a slim lead in parliament with nearly 90 percent of votes counted.
   • Election authority projections and exit polls showed the race as extremely tight, with the left-wing bloc ahead by a margin of one to three seats.
   • The hard-right Sweden Democrats are bidding for their first role in government.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Members of the Sweden Democratic party may enter the cabinet if Ulf Kristersson continues governing.

   What to watch next

   • Final certified vote count from the election authority
   • Official coalition negotiation announcements between the competing blocs
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The New York Times — In the Home of Volvo and Spotify, an Election Shows Shifting Priorities
   2. theguardian.com — Voting under way in Sweden with far right eyeing first role in government
   3. PBS — Swedish voters go to polls to choose a new parliament as hard right bids for role in government
   4. Al Jazeera — Centre-left opposition bloc leads in Swedish vote, poll shows
   5. politico.eu — Sweden election forecast says vote too close to call
   6. BBC — Left-wing bloc leads Swedish vote after far-right lose support, exit polls say
   7. dw.com — Sweden election: Center-left coalition leads initial polls
   8. Reuters — Sweden's centre-left opposition bloc seen winning by one seat, election authority projects
   9. politico.eu — How to watch Sweden’s election like a pro
   10. Reuters — Swedish centre-left opposition in pole position to take power after tight election
   11. theguardian.com — Swedish centre-left opposition widens lead to three seats with 95% of votes counted – Europe live
   12. politico.eu — Left edges ahead in Swedish election thriller
   confidence 90%