Opposition leads Swedish election by three seats

Sweden voted for parliament, municipal councils and regional assemblies. Preliminary returns put the centre-left opposition ahead of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s governing bloc by three seats. Early and overseas ballots remain to be counted. The Sweden Democrats, which backed his government from outside, had been offered cabinet posts if the right retained power.

• 176 seatsOpposition seats in preliminary count
• 173 seatsGovernment bloc seats in preliminary count
• 17.5%Sweden Democrats vote share — Down from 20.5% in 2022

Q1

Why are the results incomplete?

Local boards must add early votes that missed polling stations, including overseas ballots, before the Election Authority completes the count.

Q2

What follows the final tally?

The new parliament is due to convene in late September, elect a speaker, and begin consultations on a prime minister.

Q3

Could Kristersson remain prime minister?

Yes. He could remain if the opposition keeps its thin lead but cannot secure parliamentary backing for a government.

Q4

Which issues shaped the campaign?

Migration and security were central, alongside household finances, housing policy, alcohol rules, and penalties for gangs and other crime.