Main Swedish parties neck-and-neck as nationalists gain

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Europe

02:38

The preliminary results of the Swedish general elections show the two main political blocs almost tied, with the nationalist Sweden Democrats party significantly increasing its share. The party has won about 18 percent of the vote, up from 12.9 percent in the previous election.

The ballots from Sunday's election show that the center-left bloc, which is made up of the Social Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the Left Party, narrowly leading the race as it picked up 40.7 percent of the votes.

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Ballots at a polling station in Tomelilla, Sweden, Sept. 9, 2018. /VCG Photo

The opposition center-right Alliance which includes Moderate Party had 40.3 percent of the votes, and the Sweden Democrats garnered 17.6 percent. The results indicate the country is headed for a hung parliament.

"My ambition is to form a new government that can come together and take responsibility for our country in complicated times," Moderate Party leader said, while Swedish Prime Minister and Social Democrat Party leader Stefan Lofven said he will not quit and will respect the voters' wishes.

However, both major blocs have refused to govern with the Sweden Democrats and its leader Jimmie Akesson, who has said he is still open to talks.

"I am prepared to cooperate with all the other parties. In particular, I am inviting (Moderate Party leader) Ulf Kristersson to have a conversation about how Sweden can be ruled in the future," Akesson added.

Swedish Prime Minister and Social Democrat Party leader Stefan Lofven is addressing supporters in Stockholm, Sept. 9, 2018. /VCG Photo

Who are Sweden Democrats?

Founded in 1988, the Sweden Democrats have been linked to neo-Nazis for years and only entered parliament in 2010. It has changed its logo and been working to re-brand itself in an attempt to attract more higher-income voters.

The party received increased support in the 2014 Swedish general election and gained 12.9 percent of votes.

It holds an anti-immigration stance and links many of Sweden's domestic issues to increased immigration.

The party also wants Sweden to leave the EU and has proposed a so-called "Swexit" referendum.

For now, it's still unclear exactly what form Sweden's next government will take. But for many, Sunday's decision has put the country's future in a more uncertain light.