Sweden's centre-left opposition has taken a narrow lead over the governing right-wing bloc in the country's general election, with 94.7 per cent of polling districts counted.
The centre-left parties led by Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson have secured 175 seats, compared with 174 for the right-wing parties led by incumbent Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, according to The Guardian.
Kristersson said voters had expressed their view but stressed that the final result had not yet been determined. He said it remained unclear which political bloc would form the next government and pledged to “do everything I can to ensure that this government will be the best for our country”.
According to Andersson, Sweden would get a new government if the projected result gets confirmed when all votes are counted, as projections suggest a one-mandate win for the left-leaning opposition bloc over Ulf Kristersson’s centre-right bloc.
Sweden's election authorities said the preliminary count could be completed by September 17.
Andersson, speaking to supporters, also urged caution until the final results were announced. She said the Social Democrats were “ready to take responsibility for the result” and form a new government.
The centre-right Tidö bloc has governed Sweden for four years. It comprises the Moderates, Christian Democrats and Liberals, along with the Sweden Democrats (SD), the country's second-largest party.
The opposition centre-left bloc includes the Social Democrats, the Centre Party, the Greens and the Left Party.
Coalition negotiations are expected to take time once the final result is confirmed.
By Aghakazim Guliyev
