Sweden Election Narrows to Dead Heat as ABBA Star Rallies Leftists
Sweden's election has become a tight thriller as official counts show a near tie between Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Magdalena Andersson, boosted by an ABBA cameo.
Sweden's general election has turned into an unprecedented political thriller as official vote counts narrow the gap between the blocs. State television forecasts, following the counting of over half the ballots, indicate a virtual tie between Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing coalition and the center-left bloc led by Magdalena Andersson, with just a single mandate separating them.
This marks a sharp shift from exit polls released at the closing of polling stations, which initially suggested a solid left-wing lead of up to 4.5 percentage points. As official tallies progress, the margin has steadily evaporated, setting the stage for a nail-biting conclusion to the parliamentary race.
Amid the political drama, social media was electrified by a standout campaign moment featuring Benny Andersson of the legendary pop group ABBA. Andersson made a surprise appearance to support the Social Democrats, performing a special piano rendition of the mega-hit "Mamma Mia" while chanting "Magdalena!" to rally activists.
