Voting under way in Sweden with far right eyeing first role in government

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   Sweden Votes as Far Right Eyes Government Role

   Swedish voters went to the polls to elect a new parliament in an election that could bring the far right into government for the first time. Early exit polls from public broadcaster SVT initially indicated a lead for the left-wing opposition bloc. However, as vote counting progressed, the race tightened significantly, leaving the centre-left parties leading by just a single seat with most votes counted. The closely contested election highlighted shifting priorities in the Scandinavian nation, with issues including welfare, Russia, and Donald Trump looming large over the campaign.

   Why it matters

   The election marks a potential turning point in Swedish politics by positioning the hard right to secure a governing role. The race remained too close to call as officials continued processing ballots, meaning final results could take days to become clear. The outcome will determine the direction of national policy amid competing domestic and international pressures.

   What is confirmed

   • Swedish voters went to the polls to choose a new parliament as the hard right bids for a role in government.
   • Exit polls from public broadcaster SVT initially showed the left-wing parties ahead by several percentage points.
   • With two-thirds of the actual vote counted, the two political blocs were nearly dead even.
   • Centre-left parties held a lead by just a single seat with most votes counted.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The election race is too close to call and may take days to become clear despite early exit polls suggesting a left bloc win.

   What to watch next

   • Final vote counting and official certification of the parliamentary election results.
   • Potential coalition negotiations involving the far right and other political blocs.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. CNBC — Russia, Trump and a battle over welfare loom over Sweden’s election
   2. Reuters — Swedes vote in election that could usher far right into government
   3. The New York Times — In the Home of Volvo and Spotify, an Election Shows Shifting Priorities
   4. theguardian.com — Voting under way in Sweden with far right eyeing first role in government
   5. AP News — Swedish voters go to polls to choose a new parliament as hard right bids for role in government
   6. www.pbs.org — Exit polls show left-wing opposition ahead in Swedish vote, projected to win majority
   7. www.theguardian.com — Swedish election: centre-left parties lead by just a single seat with most votes counted
   8. www.theguardian.com — 'I hope for a decent period in politics': views of voters as Sweden goes to the polls – video
   confidence 95%