Swedish election remains too close to call as far right support ebbs

Sweden's opposition Social Democrats and their allied parties have taken a narrow lead in the Nordic nation's general election, according to results with 95 percent of votes tallied. The centre-left coalition's marginal advantage suggests either bloc could potentially form a government, leaving the outcome genuinely uncertain as final results are being processed.

The result marks a notable reversal for Sweden's anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, whose surge in previous years had reshaped the country's political landscape. The party appears to have lost support compared to the 2022 election, when they became kingmakers for the incumbent centre-right government led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

With such a narrow margin separating the two blocs, negotiations over government formation are expected to be protracted and complex. Swedish political tradition typically requires securing a parliamentary majority or a stable minority government arrangement before a new administration can be sworn in.

The tight result underscores deep divisions within Swedish society on issues including immigration policy, social spending and economic management. Both coalitions have already begun positioning themselves for potential coalition talks as final vote tallies are confirmed.