Published: 29 March 2021
Distribution of seats
When all votes have been counted, the seats are first distributed between the parties. Then, it is determined which candidates become members.
Members are selected first and foremost by a mark next to a person’s name. When no more candidates can be selected in this manner, the balance of members is distributed following the order candidates appear on ballot papers.
Riksdag
Only parties that have received at least four per cent of the votes in Sweden are eligible for the distribution of seats in the Riksdag. The exception is parties that have received at least twelve per cent of the votes within a constituency. These parties participate in the distribution of seats in the relevant constituency. A total of 349 seats are to be distributed; of these are 310 permanent and 39 are adjustment seats. The adjustment seats are intended to ensure as proportional a representation as possible.
In order for a candidate to be voted in based on personal votes to the Riksdag, the candidate shall have received a mark next to their name on at least five per cent of the party’s ballot papers within the constituency.
Municipal and Region assemblies
For elections to region assemblies, the seats are distributed between parties that have received at least three per cent of the votes in the county council.
When distributing seats in the municipal assembly, a party shall have obtained at least three per cent of the votes in municipalities that are divided into constituencies, and two per cent of the votes in municipalities that are not divided into constituencies.
In order for a candidate to be appointed to municipal or region assembly seats through specific personal votes, the candidate shall have received a mark next to their name on at least five per cent of the party’s ballot papers in the constituency, though at least 100 votes for election to a regionassembly and 50 votes for election to a municipal assembly.
European Parliament
Only parties that receive at least four per cent of the votes in Sweden are eligible for the distribution of seats in the European Parliament.
The Parliament has a maximum of 751 seats and the number of seats is based on each Member State’s population. If, for example, Sweden has 20 mandates in the European Parliament, and a party receives 10 per cent of the votes in the election, the party should also receive 10 per cent of the seats, i.e. 2 seats.
In order for a candidate to be voted in based on personal votes to the European Parliament, the candidate shall have received a mark next to their name on at least five per cent of the party’s ballot papers in Sweden.