Sweden’s centre-left opposition bloc, which backs Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson for prime minister, was projected to win 51.3% of the vote in Sunday’s parliamentary election, according to an exit poll by broadcaster SVT.

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A separate election-day poll conducted by broadcaster TV4 also put the centre-left opposition ahead.

The Sweden Democrats came third in the SVT/Valu poll, behind Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s Moderates.

A victory for the right-wing bloc would bring the far-right Sweden Democrats into government for the first time.

Swedish exit polls are often indicative but have not always proved accurate. In 2022, an exit poll projected Andersson’s bloc would prevail, but a right-wing coalition led by Ulf Kristersson ultimately won.

Kristersson is seeking another term after leading a minority government made up of his centre-right Moderate Party, the Christian Democrats and the Liberals. The coalition relies on the backing of the Sweden Democrats, which have become increasingly influential in Swedish politics.

Kristersson has said he could go a step further after the election and form a governing coalition that formally includes the Sweden Democrats. Such an outcome would mark a historic breakthrough for the far right, giving the party direct access to government for the first time and underlining its growing role in Swedish politics.

The exit-poll result could complicate the right’s efforts to retain power, particularly if the Sweden Democrats demand a formal role in government.

Around eight million people are eligible to vote in the Nordic country of roughly 10.6 million. More than half have already cast their ballots in advance, reflecting Sweden’s traditionally high voter turnout.

Official results are expected within a week.