Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Swedish electoral suspense as final ballots are tallied
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Swedish electoral suspense as final ballots are tallied
AFP - 1 hour 12 minutes ago
Send
IM Story
Print
STOCKHOLM (AFP) - – Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt could still retain a majority in parliament if remaining ballots counted Wednesday swing his way, which could shrink the influence of the far-right.
Reinfeldt's four-party coalition of the centre-right was narrowly re-elected following Sunday's polls, but fell three seats short of a majority in the 349-seat parliament.
However, fewer than 300 votes out of the some 60,000 cast by Swedes living abroad could save Reinfeldt's government and limit the influence of the far-right on a hung parliament, media reports said Wednesday.
The final results were expected to be known late Wednesday or early Thursday.
"The election isn't over," summed up Goeran Eriksson, an analyst at daily Svenska Dagbladet.
"There's a possibility that the government could actually get the majority it needs to control parliament. And before the final count is finished, (politicians) are not going to say anything," he told AFP.
On Monday, the prime minister said he did not consider the battle for a majority lost, insisting "we must wait for the final election result".
Since these remarks to the press, Reinfeldt has kept quiet, as have government ministers and leading opposition figures, adding to the political suspense.
"Nothing has been decided yet. It is very exciting," political scientist Olle Folke told the Expressen daily.
It was reported Wednesday that at least one seat had shifted to Reinfeldt's Moderate party, giving the government coalition a total of 173 seats in the house, where 175 seats are required for a majority.
Svante Linusson, a mathematician at Stockholm's Royal Institute of Technology, said the government minority could simply be the result of Sweden's complex electoral system, where seats in parliament are based on the number of mandates each party wins regionally.
"The system is built on local mandates, and in that sense the (opposition) Social Democrats have been very lucky," Linusson told AFP, pointing out that with only a small number of extra votes for the centre-right in three Swedish regions, the leftwing party will lose its mandates there.
Those few votes are crucial for Reinfeldt as he has to deal with the presence in the Riksdag of 20 members from the far-right, anti-immigrant Sweden Democrats, who entered parliament for the first time by obtaining 5.7 percent of votes.
Reinfeldt has repeatedly said he will not work with the Sweden Democrats, and it has been speculated that without a majority, he could ask the Green Party to join the government in order to block the far-right's influence.
But the Greens, now Sweden's third-largest party with 25 seats, have indicated they will turn down Reinfeldt's invitation.
With no new coalition in sight, there were reports Wednesday that a number of the established parties wanted to restructure parliament, namely by shifting the make-up of parliamentary committees, to reduce the influence of the 20 far-right lawmakers.
Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Aakesson, who met with his lawmakers in parliament for the first time on Wednesday, called the proposal "undemocratic".
"It is undemocratic to reduce the number of seats (in parliamentary committees) just to keep us out," he told reporters.
He said such a move however "is not unexpected. We recognise this tactic from what happened after the municipal elections last time" in 2006.
"I think it is a shame they are talking about changing the rules of the game just to keep us out," he told reporters gathered around him in the Riksdag, which had been temporarily blocked off by police for the party's arrival.
Analyst Eriksson said the push to redesign committees could backfire, and contribute to the far-right's image as a victim.
"The vast majority of Swedish voters do not like the Sweden Democrats," he said.
But the move to reduce the anti-immigration party's influence in committees, he added, might seem to voters like established parties "do not accept the result of the election".
This "might give (the far-right) some sympathy from voters who otherwise really do not like the Sweden Democrats", he said.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
UN Gaza aid probe finds 'clear evidence' against Israel AFP - 19 minutes ago
Two Russians detained on suspicion of spying for China AFP - 49 minutes ago
UK-World Summary Reuters - 50 minutes ago
U.N. unveils plan to help women and children Reuters - 50 minutes ago
France mobilises to free hostages, believed alive AFP - 54 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
Christoph Franz named new Lufthansa chief
Romania sticks to austerity plan, could delay eurozone entry: Basescu
Bomb kills 12 at Iran military parade
'Extinct' frogs haven't croaked -- scientists
Europe finally adopts landmark finance curbs
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Atom smasher scientists spot potential new discovery: CERN
Anti-Islam rant sees far-right fly high across Europe
Gold hits new record above $1,290
US Fed 'prepared' to act if recovery stalls
US debate continues on salmon 'Frankenfood'
More Most Viewed »
Climate: New study slashes estimate of icecap loss
US pastor puts Koran-burning on hold
'Time bomb' superbug requires global response: doctor
Japanese rider Tomizawa dies in San Marino Moto2 GP
Vitamin B 'could delay Alzheimer's onset'
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo!
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
Yahoo! News Network
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 23 September 2010 World powers seek 'early negotiated solution' with Iran
NATO and Russia on 'solid path': alliance chief
U.N. unveils plan to help women, children
|
Jerusalem flare-up after Israeli kills Palestinian
Christoph Franz named new Lufthansa chief
Swedish electoral suspense as final ballots are tallied
Blast in Iranian city kills 12, injures dozens
Romania sticks to austerity plan, could delay eurozone entry: Basescu
Three French oil workers kidnapped off Niger Delta
NATO seeks more military cooperation with Russia
|
Bomb kills 12 at Iran military parade
Big powers seek early nuclear talks with Iran
'Extinct' frogs haven't croaked -- scientists
Conservative Switzerland gets majority female cabinet
Ivory Coast starts paying former rebels for peace
|
EU set to launch super-watchdogs for finance
|
Qaeda behind Niger kidnap, hostages alive: France
Jerusalem flare-up after Israeli kills Palestinian
|
Egypt hits back at Israel at tense UN nuclear meet
Ex-Socceroos captain faces only alcohol charge in Dubai
Hedge fund boss bags Hollywood role in Gekko sequel
Dalai Lama hails Poland's Solidarity 30 years on
Indonesians vent anger over maid abuse in Malaysia
Militants kill three police in Indonesia
Dell CEO says annual rev to surpass $60 billion
|
Paris Hilton leaves Japan after questioning
NZ debt chief: Kiwi dollar has room to appreciate
E-readers gain traction, spur sales: poll
|
Milan Fashion Week, through thick and thin
China's Wen threatens to step up Japan row
NBCU CEO unlikely to join Apple 99-cent rentals
|
Russia, China agree gas supply terms: Gazprom
Experts bite back at bedbug infestations
NBC Universal CEO unlikely to join Apple 99-cent rentals
|
Mullova adds "danger" to the art of music making
German fund manager worried about risk of Chinese crash
"Money Never Sleeps" faces hard time on Wall Street
China goes on shopping spree in Latin America
Michael Chiklis' superhero series targets families
"MOOZ-lum" depicts challenges for black US Muslims
Titanic sunk by steering mistake, author says
Algeria independence film sparks controversy
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez join revamped American Idol
|
Shania Twain's memoir to reveal hardships
|
Times Co. expects revenue decline on print ad slide
US-TECH Summary
E-readers gain traction, spur sales: poll
Superfast mobile 3G networks boom: UN telecoms agency
Endesa, Nissan in deal for electric auto recharge points
Swiss solar plane completes flight across Switzerland
Vodafone CEO sees Verizon merger unlikely
Czech officials move against Google Street View
Jazeera demands NATO free arrested cameramen
Qaeda warns France not to try rescuing hostages: SITE
Obama urges new ways to tackle poverty
|
Facebook working on creating two smartphone devices: report
Kiir pledges safety for Sudan northerners in south
Facebook boss to make $100 mln school gift: report
Mass protests in France against retirement at 62
U.N. experts condemn Israel attack on Gaza flotilla
|
Networking glitch stymies some Facebook users
US: Dead in Afghan chopper crash were all American
UN puts the bat in the global spotlight
Chanel Starts Policing Brand; Writers Not Allowed To Use "Chanel" As An Adjective
Brazil's Rousseff still seen 1st round victor: poll
|
Turkey says Germany and France threatened by EU bid
Obama vows 'big hearted, hard headed' overseas aid plan
Despicable Me Hits Blu-Ray And DVD In December
Facebook out to make mobile phones more social
Kiir pledges safety for Sudan northerners in south
|
Big powers seek early nuclear talks with Iran
Stocks Tumble On Weak Earnings Outlook By Tech, Financial Firms
North Korea's top nuclear diplomat promoted to vice premier
|
Obama Calls For Responsible Aid Investments, Accountable Spending
Newspaper publishers want control over iPad subscriptions
More nations postpone arrivals to Commonwealth Game
|
Miami Appeals Court Affirms Unconstitutionality of Gay Adoption Ban
Parkinson's Patients At Greater Risk for Falls When Walking, Talking
NBCU unlikely to join Apple 99-cent rentals
Congress Considers Health Bill After Salmonella Outbreak from Bad Eggs
Adobe Shares Plummet After Lower Q4 Profit Forecast
Guinea election body proposes October 10 run-off
|
Netflix shares soar on Blockbuster bankruptcy reports
Cher Announces End Of Her Three-Year Vegas Residency In February
Linkin Park Narrowly Beat Out Trey Songz For #1 On Billboard Albums Chart
Russia plans crucial tests of troubled missile
|
Australian PM Gillard's majority becomes slimmer
Millions download freshly-launched Internet Explorer 9
Delhi faces threat of mass exodus from C Games
NBCU CEO unlikely to join Apple 99-cent rentals
Australia's original 'Crocodile Hunter' dies
Sir Paul McCartney and HP in technology duet
No China-Japan meetings planned: Japanese official
U.S. House Republicans draft campaign manifesto
Facebook out to make mobile phones more social
Slum demolition protest shuts Philippines highway
Obama vows 'big hearted, hard headed' overseas aid plan
China protesters' Sydney roof jump threat: activist
Hong Kong seizes South Korea-bound tank: report
Global Weather-Celsius
Group urges Vietnam to tackle police brutality
China needs huge urban investment: state media
US calls on Indonesia to advance Papua autonomy
Facebook working on creating two smartphone devices: report
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
New Harry Potter trailer promises 'dark times' ahead
Bruno Mars lands at No. 1 on U.S. singles chart
Joaquin Phoenix thanks Letterman for his "beat down"
Mel Gibson's ex-lover launches PR battle
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez join revamped "American Idol"
Milan Fashion Week, through thick and thin
Jennifer Lopez, Aerosmith rocker join American Idol judges
Japanese film on childbirth competes for top award in Spain
Container Filled With 7 Tons Of Explosives Seized At Italian Port
Saudi Bachelors Pay to Get Into Women-Only Malls
Shania Twain's memoir to reveal hardships
Scientists Count 1,450 Animal, Plant Fossils Found At California Canyon
Taiwan's CPC mulls moving No.5 naphtha cracker to Indonesia
Taiwan to issue $3.7 bln in govt bonds in Q4-ministry
China blocks rare earths exports to Japan: report
Japan's tourism drive threatened by China crisis
PAKISTAN
China PM rebuffs US demands for currency revalue
China PM calls for 'large-scale' trade cooperation with US
Mel Gibson's ex-lover launches PR battle
|
NZ economy unexpectedly slows; rates seen on hold
NZ economic recovery expected to volatile
Joaquin Phoenix thanks Letterman for his beat down
|
New Harry Potter trailer promises dark times ahead
|
Thailand's bid for high-speed Internet stalled
Stanley Kramer's Inherit the Wind still resonates
|
Bruno Mars lands at No. 1 on U.S. singles chart
|
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez join revamped American Idol
|
Stone Temple Pilots suspend tour after outburst
|
Iran says nuclear talks can succeed only if fair
|
Hamas detains many suspected Israel spies in Gaza
|
Obama targets Middle East peace within a year
Pakistani floods survivors await help to rebuild
|
Ireland facing fresh recession as economy shrinks
Faith Group Honors Indian PM With World Statesman Award
Bus Driver Fired For Driving Under Influence Of Kindle
Special report: Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's automatic pilot
|
"Lost" Stars Michael Emerson, Terry O'Quinn Reunite For NBC Pilot
Clinton urges Japan and China to resolve sea row
|
Cathay Pacific Buys Six Boeing 777-300ERs
Study: Team Sports Make Teens Happier And Healthier
Aquino Unlikely To Remove Beleaguered Undersecretary
NGO sees renewed push in counterfeiting talks in Tokyo
|
Continental Airlines Moves To Terminal B At Orlando Intl Airport
India top court orders mosque verdict postponed
|
U.N.s Announces $40 Billion Drive To Improve Global Health
Al Qaeda ally claims Tajik attack, threatens more
|
Blockbuster Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Abbott Recalls Similac Milk Powder Due To Insect Contamination Risk
Dell shows off new 7-inch tablet
|
Facebook CEO Zuckerberg to give $100 million to schools: report
|
"Owls of Ga'Hoole" swoop into movie with Aussie accents
Japanese film on childbirth competes for top award
Gameworld: New music video games really teach wannabe rockers
|
Indonesia's palm oil giant faces industry sanction
Indonesian ex-policeman claims Al-Qaeda link
J-Lo, Aerosmith rocker join American Idol judges
U.S. military could play expanded cyber defense role
|
Pakistani stocks end lower; rupee weakens; o/n rates flat
Stanley Kramer's "Inherit the Wind" still resonates
Thai court upholds suspension of 3G auction
EU's Kroes calls for lower roaming fees
|
Tourists flock to Chernobyl radiation zone
Pakistan's forex reserves rise to $16.63 bln
Stone Temple Pilots suspend tour after outburst
NBCU unlikely to join Apple 99-cent rentals
|
Experts bite back at bedbug infestations
Nissan, Renault to develop platform: report
Thai court blocks 3G auction
|
Thai court blocks 3G auction
YouTube wins piracy case against Spanish TV
Gameworld: New music video games really teach wannabe rockers
NYT expects revenue decline on print ad slide
CBS challenges NBC in Thursday comedy sweepstakes
|
Owls of Ga'Hoole swoop into movie with Aussie accents
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights