Sweden votes in election thriller, far right eyes govt role

Sweden went to the polls on Sunday for a general election, with the political landscape poised for a dramatic shift. Either the far-right party could enter government for the first time, or the left-wing opposition could reclaim power. Opposition leader Magdalena Andersson, 59, of the Social Democrats cast her vote before polling stations opened at 8am (0600 GMT).

Polls have consistently placed the four parties in Andersson's left-wing bloc in a comfortable position over Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's four-party alliance, which includes the far-right Sweden Democrats. The gap between the two sides narrowed in the final days of the campaign, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Andersson emphasized that it was now up to the Swedish people to decide their country's future direction. Should they opt for a government dominated by the far-right Sweden Democrats, a first in Sweden's history, or choose a government led by her, advocating for a new spirit of cooperation? Andersson's party, which governed Sweden for most of the 20th century, has proposed strengthening the welfare state and assisting households struggling with rising costs.

In contrast, outgoing Prime Minister Kristersson vowed to concentrate on enhancing the everyday lives of Swedes, citing a decrease in violent crime and a low number of asylum applications.

Kristersson's three-party minority coalition made a deal with the Sweden Democrats in 2022, granting them influence over government policy, particularly on immigration and crime, in exchange for their parliamentary support. The far-right party, led by Jimmie Akesson, has evolved from neo-Nazi roots into the mainstream and now seeks to enter government.

Kristersson promises the far right key cabinet positions if they win the election. Store manager Linda Eriksson, 48, expressed hope for a more inclusive society, while Ingrid Rudien, a 64-year-old assistant secretary, wished for unity among the nation, regardless of the close result. Akesson expressed confidence in victory, stating that Sweden is becoming safer, better, and more Swedish.

Meanwhile, an elderly pensioner attending a far-right rally hoped for a return to the past, simpler Sweden. Voting concluded at 8pm (1800 GMT), with exit polls and first reliable results expected shortly after. With 8 million eligible voters in a country of 10.6 million, voter turnout typically exceeds 80 percent.