Swedes are voting in a closely contested general election that could result in the far right entering government for the first time or see the centre-left opposition return to power. Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson was among the first politicians to cast her ballot.
Swedes are voting in a closely contested general election that could result in the far right entering government for the first time or see the centre-left opposition return to power.
Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson was among the first politicians to cast her ballot.
Andersson, 59 became Sweden's first woman prime minister in 2021.
Opinion polls throughout much of the campaign had placed the four parties in Andersson's left-wing bloc comfortably ahead of the four-party conservative alliance led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
However, the advantage narrowed considerably in the final days before voting.
The election is being closely watched because the Sweden Democrats, a nationalist and anti-immigration party, could gain a formal role in government if the right-wing bloc retains power.
Andersson said the election represented a choice between a government heavily influenced by the Sweden Democrats and one led by her Social Democrats based on greater political cooperation.
Her party has campaigned on strengthening Sweden's welfare system and providing greater support to households facing pressure from the rising cost of living.
Kristersson is seeking a second four-year term as prime minister after taking office in 2022.
His current government is built around a three-party centre-right coalition that depends on parliamentary support from the Sweden Democrats to maintain a majority.
The Sweden Democrats have supported the government from outside since 2022, but a victory for the right-wing bloc could see the party move into government and receive ministerial positions.
The party has become increasingly influential in Swedish politics after years on the political margins, particularly through its focus on immigration and crime.
Kristersson has made tackling organised crime and reducing immigration central priorities of his government.
Ahead of voting, he said his administration wanted to use what he described as improved economic and political conditions to raise living standards and improve everyday life for Swedish households.
With the contest tightening in the final stages of the campaign, the result could determine whether Sweden continues under a centre-right government supported by the far right or returns to centre-left leadership.
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