Swedes vote in election that could usher far-right into govt

Sweden will hold an election on Sunday that may either bring a far-right party into government for the first time or steer the nation back towards its liberal roots. The opposition, which is center-left, is currently leading the ruling right-wing bloc in polls, pointing to a possible shift in government. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who has been trailing in the polls, has managed to close the gap in recent weeks. His rival, Magdalena Andersson of the Social Democrats, is also losing ground.

Supporters of the right-wing coalition argue that its policies have reduced gang violence and immigration, and that a win would signal support for similar measures in the future. Kristersson has suggested he would invite the far-right Sweden Democrats into government if his bloc wins the election. Critics, however, claim that the party's agenda is eroding civil liberties and forcing immigrants to conform to Swedish cultural norms or leave the country.

Polling stations in Sweden, with a population of 10 million, opened at 8am on election day and will close at 7pm. The country, which joined NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will have exit polls released soon after the polls close. If the Sweden Democrats secure a victory, it would be welcomed by Europe's rising far-right parties, which have seen success in recent elections. The right-wing bloc has agreed to form a government led by Kristersson, while Andersson's path to power is less clear.

The election may ultimately hinge on whether the Liberals cross the 4% threshold to win seats in parliament, bolstering the right-wing alliance that includes the Moderates, Christian Democrats, and the Sweden Democrats. The Sweden Democrats, led by Jimmie Akesson, have been supporting Kristersson's minority government for the past four years.

Meanwhile, the opposition blocs have aligned on issues such as support for Ukraine, military rearmament, and relief for households affected by the cost-of-living crisis. However, disagreements remain on immigration and other topics, including the possibility of taxing billionaires and building new nuclear reactors. The Centre Party could potentially form a centrist government by persuading the Christian Democrats to join, but this seems unlikely at the moment.