The Social Democrats are poised to become the largest group in the Swedish Church election, with a preliminary 28% of the votes, translating to 72 seats. Voter turnout is expected to be just over 17%, slightly lower than the previous election. The election saw less media interest and debate, according to Jesper Eneroth, spokesperson for the Social Democrats' church group.
Social Democrats Lead in Swedish Church Election Amid Low Turnout
Social Democrats Lead in Swedish Church Election
The Social Democrats appear set to become the largest nominating group in the Swedish Church election. Voter turnout seems to be just over 17%—lower than the last election.
With nearly 90% of the districts' votes counted, the Social Democrats are projected to receive nearly 28% of the votes, which would preliminarily give them 72 seats in the church assembly. This is two more seats than they secured after the previous election.
Jesper Eneroth, spokesperson for the Social Democrats' church assembly group, told the newspaper Dagen that he is pleased with the election results.
– But my feeling is that there has been less media interest in this election campaign, and there is a total lack of debates where we could clarify the differences in issues between the various groups.
The second-largest group appears to be the Politically Independent in the Church of Sweden, POSK, with 17.5% of the votes, which would give them 45 seats.
The preliminary voter turnout is expected to be just over 17%. This is about one percentage point less than last time, but according to the newspaper Dagen, this figure may be adjusted upwards as some early and overseas votes are counted.
Ahead of this election, a two-percent threshold was introduced. Alternative for Sweden, AFS, which received just over 1% and three seats four years ago, now seems to fall just below the threshold.