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Sweden
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: For Riksdag elections, Sweden is divided into 29 constituencies. As a rule, each county corresponds to one constituency, with the exceptions of Stockholm, Skåne and Västra Götaland, where Stockholm has two, Skåne four and Västra Götaland five constituencies. For country council assembly elections, a constituency is generally made up,of one or several muncipalities. For muncipal assembly elections, large muncipalities should be divided into constituencies.
Source: Electoral Law. Ch 2, art 1-2
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 09:28:07 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: For Riksdag elections, the constituencies are listed in the Swedish Elections Act. Decisions on constituency division for county and municipal assembly elections are regulated by provisions in the same Act. Concerning county council assembly elections, the division into constituencies is decided by the county council assembly, after the muncipalities within the county have expressed their views. The division into constituencies for muncipal assembly elections is decided by the muncipal assembly. The decision must be confirmed by the County Administrative Board in order to be valid.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 12:01:13 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
Comments: For Riksdag elections, the island of Gotland constitutes a special case due to its position as Sweden's largest island. Gotland is therefore counted as one individual Riksdag constituency regardless of the number of registered residents.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 12:07:29 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
b. Citizen population
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:50:26 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
a. Legislature (specify chamber)
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 13:34:59 GMT
BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
m. Not applicable
Comments: The electoral boundaries do not change automatically. As for Riksdag elections, the counstituencies are stated in the Swedish Elections Act. Before each election, the local authorities decide whether to keep the existing boundaries or change them due to, for example, new settlements. For boundaries to be changed there has to be essential changes in the population structure.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 13:31:24 GMT
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Kristina Lemon, M.A.
b. Job Title: Senior Administrative Officer
c. Organisation: Election Authority
d. Contact Address. P.O. Box 4210, SE-171 04 Solna, Sweden
e. Telephone: +46 8 635 69 09
f. Facsimile: +46 8 635 69 20
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:22:18 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum
Comments: There are two types of referendums in Sweden; advisory referendums and referendums in a constitutional matter. Sweden has so far only held advisory referendums (six of them, the latest in 2003).
Source: Instrument of Government (part of the Swedish constitution) Chapter 8, Section 4 and 15. Act on National Referenda (Swedish Code of Statutes 1979:369).
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:46:28 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:20:32 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Comments: a)The Instrument of Government (part of Swedish constitution) b) The Act on National Referenda For each individual national referendum, the Swedish Parliament will decide upon a legal act stipulating the detailed provisions for that respective referendum. This act will be valid parallel to the other relevant legal documents, see source below.
Source: The Instrument of Government (part of Swedish constitution) The Act on National Referenda The Elections Act (referred to in the Act on National Referenda as regards voting procedures etc.)
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:21:37 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:29:50 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:30:05 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:30:33 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Act on National Referendum The Elections Act
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:31:26 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:25:30 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:25:49 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:26:06 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:28:09 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:27:47 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:28:29 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: The Election Authority is responsible for spreading information to the public on the wording of the proposal for the referendum, but ONLY for referendums referred to under B.2.1 above. The Election Authority is always responsible for informing the public of where, when and how to vote from an election-process perspective. The Election Authority may NOT undertake any campaigning with a political message, or with an intention to influence turnout. The responsibility for turnout lies with the political parties and, to some extent, with the Government Offices (Ministry of Justice). For referendums, popular movements and associations could play an active role, depending on the issue at hand. As for advisory referendums, it may be stipulated in the act decided by Parliament that there will be special campaign organisations set up. It may also be up to the political parties it all depends on the contents of the act adopted by Parliament for each specific referendum.
Source: Act on National Referendum, Section 6. For reference: The Euro Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website
g. Other(specify)
Comments: g. specialized information for certain groups of voters, eg. audio tapes or braille for visually handicapped. Answers a-g concern the actions that the Electoral Body normally undertake for a national election or referendum. Other voter information campaigns are also made, by independent organisations.
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:31:42 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. Single designated campaign organisation for each side
Comments: Stipulated in the special act BUT under these umbrella organisations which receive public funds, individual smaller organisations may apply to receive money from these official funds.
Last updated: 2005-05-19 09:06:49 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:32:14 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. Financial grant
Last updated: 2005-05-19 09:08:06 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
a. Not applicable -free media access not provided.
Last updated: 2005-06-02 12:57:25 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Comments: There are no special restrictions or controls of media coverage. This is not regulated in Sweden.
Last updated: 2005-05-19 09:10:30 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
b. Optional referendum Before the first national referendum in Sweden in 1922, after a proposal presented before Parliament.
Source: Fact sheet from the Swedish Parliament's web site, various investigations and books on the Swedish referendum institute.
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:56:20 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
b. Optional referendum In connection to the first national referendum in 1922.
Source: Fact sheet from the Swedish Parliament's web site.
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:50:42 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
b. Independent electoral commission
Comments: The Swedish Parliament will make a formal decision on a special act regulating the details of each respective national referendum. This act could, for example, provide information which might extend the responsibilities of the election administration (for example, to widen the voting right criteria, the types and texts of ballot papers to be used etc). However, the formal responsibilities are laid down in the acts listed under source below.
Source: Act on National Referenda, Section 2 The Elections Act
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Act on National Referenda, Section 2.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:35:13 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:43:19 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: The county councils' and the municipalities' legal framework as regards direct democracy is jointly regulated in The Local Government Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 1991:900).
Source: The Local Government Act, Chapter 5, Section 23 The Act on Municipal Referendums (Swedish Code of Statutes 1994:692)
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: The county councils' and the municipalities' legal framework as regards direct democracy is jointly regulated in The Local Government Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 1991:900)
Source: The Local Government Act, Chapter 5, Section 23 The Act on Municipal Referendums (Swedish Code of Statutes 1994:692)
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: "Matters may be raised in the assembly by […] 5. a person who is registered as a resident of the municipality or of a municipality coming under the county council, if the assembly has so determined ("citizen’s proposal")".
Source: Chapter 5, Section 23, The Act on Municipal Referendums (Swedish Code of Statutes 1994:692) in The Local Government Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 1991:900)
Last updated: 2006-11-02 08:44:11 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:44:08 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:39:42 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: The county councils' and the municipalities' legal framework as regards direct democracy is jointly regulated in The Local Government Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 1991:900).
Source: The Act on Municipal Referendums (Swedish Code of Statutes 1994:692)
Last updated: 2006-11-02 08:46:02 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: The county councils' and the municipalities' legal framework as regards direct democracy is jointly regulated in The Local Government Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 1991:900)
Source: The Local Government Act, Chapter 5, Section 23 The Act on Municipal Referendums (Swedish Code of Statutes 1994:692)
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Comments: "Matters may be raised in the assembly by […] 5. a person who is registered as a resident of the municipality or of a municipality coming under the county council, if the assembly has so determined ("citizen's proposal")".
Source: Chapter 5, Section 23, The Act on Municipal Referendums (Swedish Code of Statutes 1994:692) in The Local Government Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 1991:900)
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:57:50 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:47:48 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Comments: National referendums in Sweden are facultative, i.e. there are no mandatory referendums.
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:51:55 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
Comments: The Swedish Parliament can decide to hold a national referendum on any issue they want to; it is a political decision rather than a constitutional one. The only constitutionally regulated referendum issue is described under source below.
Source: In Chapter 8, Section 15 of the Instrument of Government (part of the Swedish constitution), it is possible (but not mandatory) to hold a referendum on a decision held in suspense for an amendment of the fundamental law. In Sweden, a fundamental law may only be changed by means of two decisions by Parliament, with a general election held in between the decisions. A referendum on a decision held in suspense may be held if 1/10 of the MPs so request and at least 1/3 of the MPs vote in favour of such a request. The outcome of such a referendum is semi-decisive, i.e. the outcome is decisive only if the proposed amendment of the fundamental law is rejected in the referendum and that more than a majority have voted against the proposal.
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:53:14 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
e. None
Comments: Regional or local referendums are decided by the concerned municipality or county council (bodies elected in general elections) and regulated in special laws; Act on municipal referenda; and The Local Government Act. A local referendum is some times held parallel to a national general election, and on those occasions there are some special rules at hand for certain administrative procedures. However, the municipality is the responsible body for the local referendum and not the central election authority.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:56:31 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
d. Legislative majority
Source: Instrument of Government, Chapter 8, Section 4.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:57:14 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:57:55 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
d. Legislature
Comments: The referendum question will be decided by Parliament through a special legal act adopted before the referendum.
Source: Instrument of Government, Chapter 8, Section 4.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:58:28 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:02:04 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:03:24 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
d. Legislature
Comments: d) The referendum question will be decided by Parliament through a special legal act adopted before the referendum.
Source: Instrument of Government, Chapter 8, Section 4.
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:43:51 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:53:14 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
c. No quorom required X
Comments: c) No quorum required for a referendum concerning an issue OTHER THAN that relating to what has been referred to under B.2.1 above.
Last updated: 2006-11-02 10:57:50 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:18:47 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: Swedish referendums are always optional, but can be either advisory or decisive. For the advisory referendums no special requirements are necessary for the referendum to pass the alternative receiving most votes will win. There is no formal obligation for the Parliament to follow the result of such a referendum, but there is most often a promise made by the political parties represented in Parliament to respect the will of the people (you could say that they are semi-decisive in this respect). However, special provisions are at hand for a decisive referendum, which is the type referred to, and described under B.2.1 above.
Source: Instrument of Government Act on National Referenda
Last updated: 2006-11-02 12:41:14 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable in Sweden on the national level.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:19:32 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:20:24 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable in Sweden on the national level.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:22:57 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:23:11 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-19 09:23:16 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 12:59:52 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:00:16 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:00:36 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
e. None
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:00:53 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:01:45 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:02:54 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:03:09 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:04:00 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:04:59 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:05:37 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:06:08 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Comments: Not applicable.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:10:25 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:10:54 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:12:31 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Comments: Not applicable.
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:12:56 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:13:22 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:14:43 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:15:01 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:16:16 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:16:49 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:17:02 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:17:16 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:17:28 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:17:50 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:18:03 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:18:33 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:18:53 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:19:15 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable (X)
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:19:56 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:20:10 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:20:22 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:20:47 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:21:03 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:21:29 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:21:43 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:22:07 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:22:28 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:23:49 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:24:07 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 13:24:42 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution The Swedish Election Authority
b. Full Address P.O. Box 4210 SE-171 04 Solna. Sweden. (visiting address: Solna Strandväg 86)
c. Telephone +46 8 627 64 30
d. Facsimile +46 8 627 64 40
e. Email valet(a)val.se
f. Website Address http://www.val.se
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Gunnar Skarell *, Manager.
h. Information Officer Mrs. Vivan Nilsson
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Swedish
Comments: *The Election Authority is governed by a Board consisting of a chairman and four members. Chairman at present is: Mr. Johan Hirschfeldt.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: Also responsible for elections to the European parliament and for national referenda.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
c. The legislature
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
e. Governmental appointment
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 35 765 379 USD
b. Exchange rate used 6,99 Kr per 1USD
Comments: 35 765 379 USD (1 US = 6,99 SEK)
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se (Jan 2007)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:55:46 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 6
Comments: Parliamentary Election
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:53:26 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 5,19 USD
b. Exchange rate used 6,99 SEK per USD
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:53:26 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
g. Inherited monarchy
Comments: According to the Act of Succession, the Monarch of Sweden is the Head of State. The Head of State has, according to the rules stipulated in the Instrument of Government, representative and ceremonial duties only.
Source: Constitution, chapter 1 article 5.
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 08:06:34 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
c. Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: According to Article 2, Chapter 6 of the Instrument of Government, the Speaker of the Riksdag "...shall summon for consultation representatives from every party group in the Riksdag. The Speaker shall confer with the Deputy Speaker and shall then submit a proposal to the Riksdag. The Riksdag shall vote on the proposal no later than the fourth day following. If more than half the members of the Riksdag vote against the proposal, it is rejected." If the Riksdag rejects the Speaker's proposal four times, the procedure for appointing a Prime Minister shall be abandoned and be resumed after a new election to the Riksdag has been held.
Source: Constitution Ch.6, art.2
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 08:14:44 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Source: Constitution. Ch. 1, art.5.
Last updated: Mon, 17 Jun 2002 07:56:14 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Source: Constitution. Ch. 3, art.1
Last updated: Mon, 17 Jun 2002 07:57:31 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Source: Constitution Ch 3, art.8
Last updated: Wed, 08 May 2002 13:01:39 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: Constitution. Ch.3, art.1(2)
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 16:57:37 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
a. d'Hondt Formula
Source: Mr. Hanns Lejsäter
Last updated: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 13:00:19 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
a. National level
c. Regional/provincial level
Comments: The Riksdag has 349 members. 310 are permanent constituency seats, while 39 are adjustment seats distributed at a national level in order to obtain a nationally proportional result.
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art 6.
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 08:18:09 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art 1(2)
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:06:42 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: Constitution. Ch. 3, art 6.
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:08:10 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable Na
Source: Mr. Hanns Lejsäter
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:35:42 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art 1(2).
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:09:56 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable Na
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art.1(2)
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:34:55 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:
Comments: To take part in the distribution of seats in Riksdag elections, a political party must gain at least 4 percent of all votes cast in the country. A party gaining fewer votes may, however, take part in the distribution of permanent constituency seats in the constituency where it has gained at least 12 percent of the voted cast in that constituency.
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art 7(2)
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 08:26:25 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art 1(2)
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:12:47 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:
Comments: The total of personal votes is the number of personal votes cast for a specific candidate in a constituency under one political party name. The requirement (threshold) for election on the basis of total personal votes is that the number of personal votes cast for the candidate must correspond to at least 8% of the total votes cast for the party in the constituency. If it is not possible to allocate the seats on the basis of personal votes, the "whole number method" is used.
Source: Mr. Hanns Lejsäter
Last updated: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 13:22:48 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Mr. Hanns Lejsäter
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:14:32 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: General elections to the Riksdag are held on the third Sunday in September every four years.
Source: Constitution, Ch.3, Art.3
Last updated: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 10:44:35 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art 1(2)
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:15:24 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Comments: The Instrument of Government, which is a part of the Swedish Constitution, contains certain rules for Riksdag elections. The Swedish Elections Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 1997:157)is the comprehensive legal document regulating all national elections and referenda. Note that ordinary local and regional elections (to municipal assemblies and county council assemblies) are held on the same day throughout the country as for ordinary Riksdag elections, wherefor the rules stipulated in the above mentioned Act cover also these elections.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Comments: A new Elections Act came into force on January 1, 2006 (Swedish Code of Statutes 2005:837).
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. [email protected]
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
e. Other
Comments: The Swedish Elections Act also covers Elections to the European Parliament. Riksdag, regional and local elections are held simultaneously.
Source: Electoral Law, Ch.1, art 1.
Last updated: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 08:47:00 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
b. National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Source: Electoral Law, Ch.1, art 10.
Last updated: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 17:28:46 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Hanns Lejsäter
Last updated: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 13:37:11 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Election Review Board is the formal instance for appeals against certain election decisions. An appeal against the final result of an election must be made within ten days of the announcement of the result.
Source: Constitution, Ch.3, art 11. Electoral Law, Ch. 1, art 19.
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
d. Legislature
Comments: The Election Review Board is appointed by the Riksdag. The Board consists of seven members and the Chairman is required to be, or must have been, an ordinary judge and may not at the same time be a member of the Riksdag.
Source: Constitution. Ch 3, art 11. Electoral Law, Ch 1, art 19.
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties
c. Voters
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
e. Special Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Election Review Board is the only instance for electoral disputes. Rules on appeal are stipulated in Chapter 19 of the Swedish Elections Act.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
LF11 Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
a. Election Management Body
b. Legislative Committee
c. Government
d. Specially Appointed Committee
f. Other
Comments: Major changes in the electoral system are usually preceded by thorough negotiations on various levels to obtain as broad support as possible. As broad majority as possible is furthermore strived for among the parties represented in the Riksdag (the legislative body) as regards larger reforms to avoid swift changes in the electoral fundaments.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 08:33:04 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Sweden does not allocate any free broadcast time or free printed advertisement to political parties.
Source: Peter Esaiasson, The Swedish Election Studies Program, The University of Gothenburg
Last updated: 2006-12-12 09:11:29 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: Peter Esaiasson, The Swedish Election Studies Program, The University of Gothenburg
Last updated: 2006-12-12 09:11:29 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: There are no presidential elections
Source: Report from the Democratic Audit of Sweden 2006; Media and Elections in Sweden, page 50
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:49:36 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
d. No registration required
Comments: A political party does not have to be registered to take part in an election. There is no party registration requirement in Sweden, but there is a voluntary possibility to register the party denomination to protect the name from improper use. The application to have a denomination registered is submitted to the Swedish Election Authority and must contain a name consisting of words. The denomination must not be a sub-department of a political association and the application must be seconded by a certain number of persons entitled to vote; 1500 for Riksdag elections, 100 for county council assembly elections and 50 for municipal assembly elections. Furthermore, the denomination cannot be assumed to be confused with any other previously registered name, or the denomination cannot be mistaken for a name which has been removed from the register not more than five years ago due to a change of denominations.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
j. Other
Comments: To be eligible for election you must be entitled to vote. To be entitled to vote you must be registered on the electoral roll, be a Swedish citizen, be 18 years of age before or on Election Day and to be, or at some time have been, a registered resident of Sweden.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Comments: Presidential elections are not held.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
o. Other
Comments: Anyone may stand as a candidate in Sweden. Eligibility is checked if the person is elected and based on the candidate’s personal situation on Election Day. The conditions for eligibility are the same as for entitlement to vote; For the Riksdag: citizenship, 18 years of age before or on Election Day and to be or at some time have been a registered resident in Sweden. For eligibility to county council and municipal assembly elections there is, in addition to the conditions for entitlement to vote, a residence criterion which implies that you are only eligible for election within the municipality or county council where you are a registered resident.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Comments: Presidential elections are not held.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
a. Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: Independent candidates cannot compete in legislative election.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: Independent candidates cannot compete in legislative elections and the legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Comments: Presidential elections are not held.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Comments: b) The funds are paid in the form of Îparty subsidiesâ and Îsecretariat subsidiesâ. A party is eligible for party subsidies if it has received at least one seat in the Riksdag or more than 2,5 % of the votes throughout the whole country at either of the two last elections. To qualify for secretariat subsidies a party is required either to have won a seat in the Riksdag in the last election or to have received at least 4 % of the votes in the whole country.
Source: b) Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se c) International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
b. Between elections
Comments: The parties receive direct public funding quartely. The budget year runs from the 15th October to the 14th October the next coming year.
Source: Göran Rosvall Law on public funding of political parties (1972:625).
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
Comments: As for public funding criteria, see reply to Question 12.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
d. Other
Comments: The funds are paid in the form of "party subsidies" and "secretariat subsidies". A party is eligible for party subsidies if it has received at least one seat in Parliament or 2,6% of the votes throughout the whole country at either of the two last elections. To qualify for "secretariat subsidies" a party is required either to have won a seat in Parliament in the last election or to have received at least 4% of the votes in the whole country.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Comments: There are no specific rules regulating private funding to political parties. The general rules concerning bribery are valid also to activities of political parties, as well as rules and regulations on economic criminality. The political parties represented in the Riksdag have made an informal agreement on so called ãopen financesä, meaning that the parties will openly state all their incomes and expenditure by type.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of party contributions received
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
b. Regulated body specially created for this purpose
Comments: b) The Party Funding Committee, including three members and a Chair.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:54:23 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
a. Separate ballots for different elections
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
l. Counted by hand
m. Sorted by party list
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
f. Other
Comments: The votes are first counted at the polling stations and the results are called into the County Administrative Board’s reception centres. Then the votes (ballot papers) are placed in sealed covers and transported to the County Administrative Board on election night. The County Administrative Board is responsible for the final count. The votes cast in advance that could not be delivered to the polling stations during Election Day are first counted by the municipal election committee on the third day following Election Day and then finally by the County Administrative Board. All counting is open to the public.
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: c) Constituency level.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
b. By telephone
g. Internet
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
e. Accompanied by election officials
Comments: There has to be more than one person watching and transporting the ballot box.
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
b. Always recounted
Comments: According to the Swedish Elections Act, the votes are first counted at the polling stations. After the first count, a final count takes place at the County Administrative Board. The Election Review Board may, as a consequence of an appeal, decide on a renewed count if the error is considered minor.
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Comments: e) According to the Electoral Law, the votes are first counted at the polling station. After the first count a final vote count takes place at the County's Administrative Board.
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
b. Regional Election Management body
Comments: The County Administrative Board is responsible for the final counting of all votes cast. In case the Election Review Board decides on a renewed count, the Board will instruct the decision-making authority to take the appropriate action.
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2006-03-21 19:00:33 UTC
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: X
Comments: This is a rough estimation: Parliament: approximately 2-3 hours; Municipal election after 3-4 hours and county council elections after approximately 4-5 hours. Please note that all three elections are held on the same day, but counted in a certain order; Parliament, Municipality, County
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Comments: The declaration of the officially certified results is regulated in Chapter 18 of the Swedish Elections Act. When the seats have been distributed and members have been appointed after the final counting, the results of the Riksdag election shall be pronounced by a public notice in the Post- and Inrikes Tidningar (Official Gazette). The election is thereby concluded. For county council and municipal assembly elections, a public notice of the election results shall be given by the minutes being submitted for checking. Thereby the election to county council and municipal assemblies are concluded.
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
b. days:
Comments: 4-5 days for Riksdag elections, 1-2 weeks for county council and municipal assembly elections.
Source: Mr. Hans Lejsäter, Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 10:06:25 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
e. Regional Governments
f. Local Governments
Comments: The Swedish Election Authority is the central administrative authority responsible for planning and co-ordination of the elections. The Authority receives a special government grant to cover the costs for, among other things, information to the public as regards general rules. The County Administrative Board is the regional election authority in each county. They hold a special responsibility to announce the time and place for the final counting of votes. The municipal election committee is the local election authority in each municipality. They appoint electoral officers and arrange education and information for electoral officers. The municipal election committees hold a special responsibility to announce time and place for the preliminary counting of votes. In most municipalities, the election committee is responsible for arranging and providing information on special voting stations. Special information campaigns are at times initiated by the local authorities on a voluntary basis.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-07-16 08:29:52 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Comments: Election time only BUT limited information available (film, brochure) also in between elections.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-07-16 08:29:52 UTC
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
a. 91-100%
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
a. Yes
Comments: The Swedish Elections Act, Chapters 9, 10, 15 and 16 contain rules on what the electoral officers are required to do. Furthermore, the municipal election committees arrange information and education for their electoral officers.
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
f. By mail
h. By proxy
j. Other
Comments: a) A voter is registered on the electoral roll for that district where he/she was a registered resident 30 days before the election. f) From abroad. j) In advance at for example libraries and municipal offices, most Swedish missions abroad, at special voting stations within the country such as hospitals, care facilities, correctional care institutions etc.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
g. Other
Comments: Any person can vote from abroad, either by mail or at most Swedish missions abroad.
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
e. By mail
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
a. At special advance polling centers
Comments: Within Sweden, a person entitled to vote may do so in advance at advance voting places such as municipal offices, libraries, hospitals, care institutions and correctional care institutions etc. The municipalities are responsible for arrnaging advance voting AND voting on E-Day. It is possible to vote by proxy also before Election Day. For persons abroad, voting in advance is the only alternative, either at a Swedish mission or by mail. Voting by proxy is possible also abroad.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
a. Everyone
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No
Comments: 1200-1500 is recommended.
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No Na
Comments: But, 1200-1500 is recommended.
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
g. Other
Comments: The voter puts the selected ballot paper in a vote envelope and close it before handing it/them over to the electoral officer/s. The voting should take place in privacy, behind a screen, to safeguard the right to a secret vote.
Source: Hans Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 4
b. The largest polling station: 4
Comments: 4 is the minimum at any station, the maximum number may vary depending on the size of the electoral district and its opening hours.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:58:08 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: 18 years
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:06:28 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Comments: To be entitled to vote a person must be registered on an electoral roll. Voting rights to Riksdag elections are reserved for all Swedish citizens who are, or have at some time been, registered residents of Sweden. Voting rights in county council and municipal assembly elections are reserved for Swedish citizens who are registered residents of Sweden within the county or municipality. Citizens of any Member State of the European Union and citizens of Iceland and Norway are entitled to vote under the same conditions. Citizens of other states are entitled to vote if they have been registered residents of Sweden for three consecutive years on Election Day.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:06:28 UTC
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
h. Other
Comments: An electoral roll is compiled based on information in the Population Registration database 30 days before election. To be entitled to vote a person must be registered on an electoral roll. As for qualifications to be entitled to vote, and thus be included into the electoral roll, see comments to Question 2 above. For Swedish citizens who have emigrated from Sweden, they are entitled to vote in the Riksdag elections only, provided that they have at some time been a registered resident in Sweden and that they are listed in the electoral roll.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:06:28 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Comments: c) The Swedish Tax Agency (under which the central population register is sorting). An electoral roll is compiled based on the information in the Population Registration database. The National Tax Agency is responsible for that database. The Swedish Election Authority is responsible for compiling the electoral roll based on the information in that database.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:06:28 UTC
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
a. National citizens register
Comments: An electoral roll is compiled based on information in the Population Registration database 30 days before the election.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:06:28 UTC
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
c. Periodically (or before each election)
Comments: 30 days before the election day.
Source: Hanns Lejsäter. Information Officer, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:06:28 UTC
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
a. Links to national population records
Comments: a) The electoral rolls are automatically compiled, 30 days before each election, based on information from the National Population Registration Database.
Source: Kristina Lemon, Election Authority, Sweden. valet(a)val.se
Last updated: 2007-01-26 09:06:28 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
