With 94% of the votes counted in Sweden's general election, the center-left bloc led by the Social Democrats took the lead in parliament, according to unofficial results.
The center-left bloc, formed by the Social Democrats, the Center Party, the Green Party and the Left Party, received 49.5% of the vote and won 176 seats in the 349-seat parliament.
The right-wing bloc, comprising the governing Moderate Party, the Christian Democrats and the Liberals, together with the Sweden Democrats, which support the government from outside, received 49.1% of the vote. The right-wing bloc's parties won 173 seats in parliament.
Official results awaited
As vote counting continues, the center-left bloc holds a three-seat lead. The counting of ballots cast at polling stations abroad and delayed ballots sent by mail will continue until September 16.
Official results are expected to be announced by the weekend. Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson said that, based on the current figures, her party had won the election and said Sweden would have a new government.
Turnout reaches 80.4%
More than 8 million voters went to the polls in the general election, with turnout reaching 80.4%.
Voters also cast ballots for 21 regional councils and 290 municipal councils, in addition to the 349-seat parliament.