Left-wing bloc leads right-wing alliance by roughly 20,000 votes after more than 90 percent of ballots processed, with projections giving Andersson a three-seat majority.
Vote distribution after 94 percent counted
With 94 percent of votes reported early on Monday, Sweden's electoral authority projections placed the left-wing bloc on 176 mandates and the right-wing bloc on 173 mandates. The left-wing grouping consists of the Social Democrats, Left Party, Greens and Centre Party. The right-wing grouping includes the Moderates, Christian Democrats, Liberals and Sweden Democrats. A party must reach at least 4 percent of the national vote to win seats under the proportional representation system. The left-wing advantage of roughly three seats translates to a projected majority of three mandates for Andersson if final counts hold. No major media organisation has declared a winner, and Kristersson stated that it remains unclear which side will form the next government.
Sweden uses a mandate distribution voting system, a proportional representation method to elect mandates or seats in the Riksdag. Early on Monday morning, Kristersson said it remained unclear who would form the next government. The voters have had their say, but we still do not have a final result, he told supporters. Which government will lead Sweden in the coming years is still an open question.
Performance of major parties
The Social Democrats were on course for 28 percent of the vote, their lowest share in more than a century. The Sweden Democrats recorded their first decline in support since entering parliament in 2010. Both parties lost ground compared with the 2022 election. In contrast, the Left Party, Greens and Centre Party each increased their share within the left-wing bloc. The Sweden Democrats were founded in the 1980s by individuals with neo-Nazi links. Until 2022 the party was excluded from government cooperation. Kristersson has stated he will offer cabinet posts to the Sweden Democrats if the right-wing bloc retains power.
Both Andersson's party and the far-right SD have lost support, according to early count results. As of Monday morning, the Social Democrats were on track for their worst result in more than a century with 28 per cent, while the count showed the far-right SD party was losing support for the first time since 2010 when it entered the Riksdag. Other parties comprising the left-wing bloc, including the Left Party, Greens and Centre Party have increased their support.
Turnout and comparison with 2022
Overall turnout fell to approximately 80 percent, four percentage points lower than the 2022 election. Lower participation occurred across most regions. The drop coincides with reduced support for the two largest parties in each bloc, while smaller parties within the left-wing alliance gained.
Statements from Andersson and Kristersson
After voting on Sunday, Andersson framed the choice for voters as one between a government dominated by the Sweden Democrats or a government she would lead in a spirit of cooperation. She told supporters on Sunday night that if current results hold, Sweden will have a new government. Her party, the Social Democrats, have been a major force in Swedish politics since the end of World War Two. But SD had been shunned for years until 2022 when it became the country's second largest party after campaigning on violent crime and immigration.
Kristersson told supporters early on Monday that voters had spoken but the final result was not yet known. He expressed confidence that the right-wing alliance could continue its work and noted genuine enthusiasm among supporters for completing ongoing policies. Kristersson, for his part, said it was important he and his alliance were able to continue their work. I think there is a genuine enthusiasm for us being able to continue our important work, he said after casting his ballot.
Sweden's mandate system explained
Sweden elects members of the Riksdag through a proportional system that distributes mandates according to each party's share of the national vote. Coalitions and minority governments are common because no single party has secured an outright majority since the Second World War. The Social Democrats have been the dominant force in Swedish politics for decades but now face their weakest projected result in more than 100 years.
Frequently asked questions
When will the final result be known?
Sweden's electoral authority is expected to complete the count within a few days. Remaining ballots include overseas and late postal votes that could alter the narrow margin.
Can the Sweden Democrats enter government?
Yes. Kristersson has pledged cabinet positions to the Sweden Democrats if the right-wing bloc forms the next administration. This marks a shift from previous exclusion of the party.
What majority is projected for Andersson?
Current projections give the left-wing bloc 176 seats against 173 for the right-wing bloc, producing a three-seat majority for Andersson if the figures remain unchanged.
Why has turnout fallen?
Turnout dropped four points to around 80 percent. Analysts link the decline to reduced mobilisation by the two largest parties that lost support.
Which parties gained within each bloc?
The Left Party, Greens and Centre Party increased their shares inside the left-wing bloc. No comparable gains were reported among smaller right-wing parties.
Key takeaways
- Left-wing bloc leads by roughly 20,000 votes with 94 percent counted.
- Projections give Andersson a three-seat majority in the Riksdag.
- Social Democrats on track for lowest result in over a century.
- Sweden Democrats record first decline since 2010.
- Turnout fell to approximately 80 percent, four points below 2022.
- Kristersson has offered cabinet roles to the Sweden Democrats.
Outlook for government formation
The narrow margin means either bloc could still prevail once the remaining ballots are tallied. Andersson has positioned her potential government as one based on cooperation among four parties. Kristersson has emphasised continuity of the current right-wing policy direction. Final seat totals will decide whether the Sweden Democrats receive ministerial posts for the first time.