Sweden’s parliamentary election has tightened with less than two weeks to go, as a new opinion poll places the centre-left opposition only narrowly ahead of the governing right-wing bloc.
Poll points to a close contest
A Novus survey conducted for TV4 put the four centre-left parties on a combined 50.3%, compared with 47.7% for the governing coalition, Reuters reported. The poll covered 2,984 voters between August 24 and August 30.
The small gap means shifts among undecided voters and parties near the electoral threshold could determine which bloc can form a government. Polling estimates also carry sampling uncertainty and should not be treated as a forecast of the final seat count.
Voting has already started
Sweden’s Election Authority says early voting opened on August 26 and continues through election day on September 13. Voters will choose members of the 349-seat Riksdag as well as representatives for regional and municipal councils.
Sweden allocates parliamentary seats proportionally. A party generally needs 4% of the national vote, or a higher level within a constituency, to qualify for representation.
Issues shaping the campaign
Economic management, public services, crime, immigration and Sweden’s security role after joining NATO are among the subjects influencing the campaign. Coalition relationships are equally important because no single major party is expected to govern alone.
The official count, rather than polling, will determine the result. With the blocs close, negotiations after election day may be as consequential as the vote itself.
