Sweden’s centre-left opposition holds narrow lead as ballot count continues

Stockholm, Sweden. Sweden’s centre-left opposition parties maintained a narrow lead over the incumbent right-wing governing bloc as the count of remaining ballots resumed following Sunday’s parliamentary election.

With fewer than 1% of districts left to count, the bloc led by Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson was projected to win 176 seats in the 349-seat Riksdag, compared with 173 for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s governing bloc.

Close count continues

At 1536 GMT on Wednesday, Sweden’s election authority data showed the opposition heading towards a change of government.

The margin remained tight, with the left’s lead briefly narrowing to a one-seat majority before returning to three seats as further votes were counted.

The election authority was counting late-arriving ballots from within Sweden and abroad. It said the process could continue until Thursday before all votes are accounted for.

Migration policies at stake

The election was not expected to alter Sweden’s pro-Western and pro-Ukraine position.

It could, however, determine whether Kristersson’s push for tougher migration policies continues or accelerates.

Before the election, Kristersson said he would include the far-right Sweden Democrats in government, breaking a longstanding political taboo, in an effort to form a majority-right coalition.

Many right-wing voters said a victory would endorse policies they believe have helped curb gang violence and sharply reduce immigration.