Deadlock likely following Swedish election

Preliminary results in the Swedish general election show the ruling Social Democratic Party has taken 100 seats in the parliament, but has given up significant ground to the opposition Moderate party, which has earned 70 seats in parliament.

The Aug. 30, 2018 photo shows election posters of Moderate Party's Ulf Kristersson in front of the Swedish parliament in Stockholm, Sweden. [Photo: AP/Michael Probst]

The right-wing Swedish Democratic Party has garnered 63 seats, followed by the Center Party with 31.

The Left Party has earned 28 seats, the Kristian Democratic Party has collected 23, followed by the Liberal Party with 19 and the Green Party with 15 seats.

Swedes cast their votes on September 9, with turnout estimated at 85%.

The results leaves the Social Democrats in a political bind, as it will have to decide which parties it hopes to ally with to create a governing coalition.

Most observers expect Prime Minister Stefan Lofvin will be in for a difficult set of negotiations, with some suggesting the Social Democrats may be unable to form a coalition, which could leave Sweden without a functioning parliament for quite some time.