Key facts
- Sweden's general election is scheduled for Sunday, with 349 seats in the Riksdag at stake.
- The election uses a proportional representation system, with a 4% threshold for parties to gain seats.
- Incumbent Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of the Moderate Party leads the right-wing bloc.
- Magdalena Andersson, former PM and leader of the Social Democrats, leads the left-wing bloc.
- The far-right Sweden Democrats may enter government for the first time, potentially holding ministerial seats.
- Sweden has been a NATO member for two years.
Millions of Swedes are set to vote on Sunday in a general election that could see the far-right Sweden Democrats enter government for the first time. The election pits the incumbent conservative Moderate party leader Ulf Kristersson against Magdalena Andersson, the former prime minister leading the center-left Social Democrats. While the left bloc held a comfortable lead for months, polls have tightened significantly in the final weeks, suggesting a potentially close contest.
The election operates on a proportional representation system for the 349 seats in the Riksdag, with a 4% threshold for parties to gain representation. Coalitions are the norm, and smaller parties could hold significant sway if the vote is close. High turnout is expected, with a record number of early votes cast since August 26.
Kristersson's right-wing coalition has relied on support from the Sweden Democrats, a party with roots in neo-Nazi movements that has worked to improve its image. If Kristersson wins, he has indicated that the Sweden Democrats could take ministerial positions, a move that opposition leader Andersson has criticized as potentially detrimental to national security, particularly for the defense and foreign affairs ministries. Kristersson, however, maintains he would remain in overall charge and points to his past four years of cooperation with the Sweden Democrats, citing economic improvements and reductions in crime and immigration.
Beyond domestic politics, the election has implications for European security and the integration of the far-right into mainstream politics. Both blocs have traded barbs over security and stances toward Russia, with Andersson questioning the Sweden Democrats' alleged pro-Russia narratives and Kristersson questioning the left bloc's commitment to NATO. Both candidates, however, are united in continuing support for Ukraine.
Results are expected to begin emerging after polls close at 8 p.m. local time on Sunday, with initial seat allocations anticipated around 10:30 p.m. if enough votes are counted. However, a very close result could delay final clarity until Wednesday, September 16, or later. The formation of a new coalition government could take weeks or even longer, with the possibility of a fresh election if no agreement is reached.