Swedish opposition leads by 3 seats after preliminary count, poised to form new government
GeopoliticsMacro
Preliminary results from Sweden's general election show the centre-left opposition bloc leading the right-wing government bloc by 3 seats, giving the opposition a chance to form a new government after voting on Sunday, September 13. Sweden's election authority said the left-leaning bloc led by Magdalena Andersson, leader of the Social Democrats, is likely to win 176 of the 349 seats in parliament, while the right-wing bloc of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is expected to take 173 seats. The two blocs' total vote shares were separated by just 0.45% as of Monday morning. Party leaders have not yet declared victory or conceded defeat, as counting is still unfinished in 353 constituencies and votes from Swedes abroad will not be counted until Wednesday, September 16. The Sweden Democrats, a far-right party hoping to join the government for the first time if the right wins, is expected to lose 11 seats in parliament. If the centre-left wins officially, forming a government could take time, as there is still no conclusion on coalition partners. The Centre Party refuses to govern with the Left Party, while the Left Party insists on receiving cabinet posts. Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlén told Swedish television that forming a government this time could be an extremely complicated process.
