Swedens left-wing bloc leads right-wing coalition by one seat in tight election

Sweden’s general election remained too close to call early Monday, with nearly 90% of votes counted. Four opposition parties led by Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson held a one-seat parliamentary lead over Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing bloc, which includes the Sweden Democrats, as both leaders said they were ready to govern .

With 5,950 of 6,626 districts counted, the left-wing bloc was projected to win 175 seats in the 349-seat parliament, while the right-wing coalition held 174 . Andersson told supporters that if the results stand, “Sweden will get a new government” .

The Social Democrats secured 28% of the vote, their worst result in over a century, while Kristersson’s Moderate Party won 19.9% . The Sweden Democrats, part of the governing bloc, saw their support drop to 17.6%, down from 20.5% in 2022 .

Kristersson said he would respect Andersson’s attempt to form a government but noted that the left-wing parties had “irreconcilable differences,” particularly between the Left Party and the Centre Party . Final results, including overseas ballots, are expected by Wednesday .