Sweden election 'very close' as left bloc claims tight lead

Sweden's election remained too close to call on Sunday night after more than 86% of ballots had been counted. Former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, leading the left-wing opposition coalition, stated early Monday that the result would be very close. The Social Democrats, her party, were on track to win 28% of the vote, their worst performance in over a century.

Incumbent Ulf Kristersson, leading a right-wing alliance that includes the far-right Sweden Democrats, indicated he would reach out to other party leaders to discuss potential government formation. A victory for the right-wing bloc would mark the Sweden Democrats' first inclusion in government. Despite early polls predicting an easy win for the left-wing alliance, the lead had narrowed by election day.

Andersson, Sweden's first female Prime Minister, urged voters to decide between a government dominated by the Sweden Democrats or one led by herself. The Social Democrats have governed Sweden for most of the last century and promise to bolster the welfare state and address rising costs. Kristersson's campaign emphasized his government's record of reducing violent crime and controlling immigration.

The underwhelming performance of the Sweden Democrats, which dropped from 20.5% in 2022 to 17.9% in the 2023 election, was a surprise. The far-right party leader, Jimmie Akesson, acknowledged losing support and was expected to become migration minister if his party wins. Sweden has an electorate of 8 million people, with an 80% turnout being common.