Sweden's election remains too close to call as left holds narrow lead
With most votes counted in Sweden's parliamentary election, the opposition left bloc leads by only a handful of seats over a right-wing alliance that includes the far-right Sweden Democrats, after a late surge on the right made the race far tighter than exit polls suggested.
Sweden's parliamentary election, held on Sunday, has turned into one of the tightest in the country's recent history. With most of the results now counted, the opposition left bloc holds a narrow lead over a right-wing alliance that includes the far-right Sweden Democrats party.
A shifting picture
Exit polling released on election night pointed to a win for the left, suggesting Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson was on course for a comeback as prime minister at the head of a left-wing coalition. Andersson has previously served as prime minister.
However, as counting continued, the outcome became far less certain. A late surge in support for right-wing parties was reported, turning what had looked like a clear left-wing win into a knife-edge contest. The left bloc's lead first narrowed to just a single seat in parliament before widening again to three seats as more results came in.
Why it matters
Sweden is NATO's newest member, meaning the outcome carries weight beyond its borders — the composition of the next government could influence the country's positions on foreign and security policy within the alliance. Final results and the shape of any governing coalition have yet to be settled, with both blocs awaiting the completion of vote counting before coalition talks can begin.
