The electoral system
The four per cent threshold determines which parties normally take part when the Riksdag’s 349 seats are allocated. A strong constituency result is the exception.
Main rule: at least four per cent
A party must receive at least four per cent of votes nationwide to take part in the national allocation of Riksdag seats. The threshold is decided by the actual election result, not opinion polling.
Exception: twelve per cent in a constituency
A party receiving at least twelve per cent in one constituency may take part in allocating fixed seats there even if it remains below four per cent nationally.
310 fixed and 39 adjustment seats
The Riksdag has 349 seats: 310 fixed constituency seats and 39 adjustment seats. Adjustment seats make the final distribution as proportional as possible to the parties’ vote shares.
Common questions
Is four per cent exactly the same as 14 seats?
No. The number of seats depends on the complete result and allocation. Four per cent is the threshold for national participation, not a fixed number of seats.
Can a party below four per cent still win a seat?
Yes, but only fixed seats in a constituency where it receives at least twelve per cent.
Do opinion polls decide whether a party clears the threshold?
No. Only votes counted in the election decide.