Sweden’s centre-left leads in early exit polls as government stakes remain open
The Social Democrat-led opposition bloc was ahead in polls released after voting, but official results and coalition negotiations were still pending.
Sweden’s centre-left opposition bloc held an early lead in Sunday’s parliamentary election, according to exit polls, with the final balance of power still uncertain.
An SVT exit poll put the bloc, which backs Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson for prime minister, on 51.3 per cent. A separate election-day poll by broadcaster TV4 also showed the centre-left ahead.
The figures remain indicative rather than final. France 24 reported that Sweden’s Election Authority was expected to release early results within hours, while noting that exit polls have previously proved inaccurate. In 2022, an exit poll projected an Andersson-led victory before a right-wing coalition headed by Ulf Kristersson won.
Kristersson has served as prime minister since the right-wing coalition took office after the 2022 election. A further victory for the right could bring the Sweden Democrats into government for the first time.
The Sweden Democrats were polling at 17.2 per cent in the SVT reading. The party has roots in the neo-Nazi fringe and advocates tougher immigration and integration policies, making its potential government role a central issue in the contest.
The result will determine whether Sweden continues under right-wing rule or moves back towards centre-left government. The governing coalition, parliamentary seat balance and next prime minister will depend on official results and subsequent negotiations.
