SWEDEN: Prime minister Göran Persson cast his election vote yesterday, saying Sweden's generous welfare system had laid the foundation for current economic success, but voters seem as drawn by opposition tax-cut pledges.
Neither Mr Persson's minority social democrat government, backed by the left and green parties, nor the conservative opposition have a clear lead in polls ahead of tomorrow's vote.
One newspaper said it was so close that it could be as late as Wednesday before a clear victor emerged, when votes cast early and those from abroad would be calculated in.
"I am nervous but not more than usual," Mr Persson said after voting in a library in central Stockholm where the media outnumbered the trickle of voters and book borrowers.
Swedes have been allowed to cast their ballot since August 30th, but most will still go to polling stations tomorrow.
"We have created a model that not only gives good economic growth, but at the same time can give those who are on the margins of society good security," he said.
He added that he wanted to protect a model, based on sky-high taxes and extensive welfare, that has given Sweden one of the best standards of living in the world.
A daily poll for Svenska Dagbladet newspaper showed the government parties just ahead for the second consecutive day with 47.9 per cent support. The opposition bloc of the moderates, centre, christian democrats and folk liberals had 47.3 per cent.
Bookies Betsson and Ladbrokes are predicting an opposition victory. Mr Persson has expressed confidence he can extend his 10 years in office by another four years.