Party with neo-Nazi roots is in line for key ministerial positions if rightwing bloc wins the election

Voting is under way in Sweden in a high-stakes election that could lead to the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) entering government for the first time.

It comes after an unusually heated and polarised campaign punctuated by personal attacks between leaders, accusations of misinformation and Maga-inspired ads. Polls suggest an extremely tight race, with one showing just 0.3 percentage points between the left and right blocs.

Polling stations across the country opened at 8am local time (7am UK time). A record 3.6 million voters took part in early voting.

Early indications of results will come at 8pm when the first exit polls are released, followed by a forecast from the broadcaster SVT an hour later. The first preliminary vote count is expected between 10.30 and 11pm. Whatever the result, coalition talks are expected to take weeks if not months.