Swedish election outcome to be decided by votes from abroad
Monday morning results in Sweden's parliamentary election show the opposition bloc narrowly ahead of the ruling right-wing coalition, with only about 29,000 votes separating them. The final outcome is expected on Wednesday once votes from abroad are counted.
Early results from Sweden's parliamentary election on Monday morning show the opposition bloc holding a narrow lead over the governing right-wing coalition. The left-wing opposition and the right-wing coalition are separated by nearly 29,000 votes — a margin close enough that the final result cannot yet be called.
Clarity expected Wednesday
It will likely only become clear on Wednesday which of the two blocs will begin forming Sweden's next government. That is when votes cast by Swedes living abroad are set to be counted, along with ballots that election commissions had not yet received by Sunday, election day.
Both sides ready to govern
Leaders of both the opposition Social Democrats and the currently governing Moderate Party have said they are prepared to take on the task of forming a new government, depending on how the final vote count falls. This means Sweden's political situation will remain uncertain until at least Wednesday, when the count is completed and it becomes clear which bloc has secured a majority — or at least the strongest position from which to negotiate the shape of the next government.
