Quick Answer: Sweden is holding its general election today, Sunday, September 13, 2026, to elect all 349 members of the Riksdag, the national parliament, along with regional and municipal councils in concurrent local elections. Polling in the run-up showed a tightening race between Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s center-right coalition and the center-left opposition led by Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson.

What Happened?

Swedish voters are casting ballots today to decide the composition of parliament for the next four-year term. Kristersson, in office since 2022 as head of a four-party center-right coalition that includes the Sweden Democrats’ parliamentary support, faces a challenge from Andersson’s center-left bloc. A poll released ten days before the election showed the governing coalition closing the gap on the opposition, contradicting earlier surveys that had pointed to a comfortable opposition win.

Why Is This Trending?

Search interest is spiking as Swedes and international observers await results on election night, with a 175-seat majority needed to form a government and no single bloc holding a clear advantage heading into the vote.

Key Details

• Election date: Sunday, September 13, 2026.
• Seats up for election: All 349 seats in the Riksdag, plus 21 regional and 290 municipal councils.
• Governing coalition: Moderates, Christian Democrats and Liberals (Tidö Agreement), supported by the Sweden Democrats.
• Opposition bloc: Social Democrats, Left Party and Green Party (Red-Greens).
• Prime Minister since 2022: Ulf Kristersson (Moderate Party).
• Main opposition leader: Magdalena Andersson (Social Democrats).
• Majority threshold: 175 of 349 seats.

What This Means for Sweden

The outcome will determine whether Kristersson’s coalition government continues or whether Andersson’s Social Democrats return to power, with implications for Swedish policy on immigration, taxes and the country’s role within NATO, which Sweden joined following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

What We Know So Far

Confirmed: the election date, seat count, competing blocs and pre-election polling trends. Not available at publication: the actual results, since Swedish election authorities have said final counts, including overseas and advance ballots, are not expected until later in the counting process.

What Happens Next?

Preliminary results are expected on election night, though a full and final count, including postal and overseas ballots, typically takes additional days to confirm in close Swedish elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Swedish general election?

Sunday, September 13, 2026.

How many seats are being contested?

All 349 seats in the Riksdag, Sweden’s national parliament.

Who are the main candidates for prime minister?

Incumbent Ulf Kristersson of the Moderate Party and challenger Magdalena Andersson of the Social Democrats.

When will results be known?

Preliminary results are expected election night, but full official counts, including overseas votes, can take additional days.

Key Takeaways

• Sweden holds its general election today, September 13, 2026.
• All 349 Riksdag seats and regional/municipal councils are being decided.
• Kristersson’s center-right coalition faces Andersson’s center-left opposition.
• A 175-seat majority is needed to form a government.
• Pre-election polls showed a tightening race.