mandatfastställning

Mandatfastställning is the formal process by which the number of parliamentary mandates (seats) allotted to political parties or groups is determined after an election. It follows the counting and validation of votes and is governed by electoral law, ensuring that seat allocation reflects the official results.

In Sweden, mandatfastställning applies to the Riksdag, which has 349 seats. A portion of these seats is allocated to constituencies and a portion as leveling seats to ensure national proportionality. The final mandate distribution is carried out by Valmyndigheten (the Swedish Election Authority) on the basis of official vote tallies and the applicable laws, with decisions published as the official result.

The allocation proceeds in two stages: first the seats awarded within each constituency, and then the national allocation of utjämningsmandat (leveling seats) to correct discrepancies between vote share and seat share. The method used is a divisor method (generally Sainte-Laguë) in accordance with the Election Act, and it includes thresholds defined by law for parties to be eligible for seat allocation.

After final mandates are determined, elected representatives take office in the Riksdag, triggering the process of government formation. The mandatefastställning also occurs in other elections (regional and municipal) under analogous rules, and its accuracy is essential for the legitimacy of the legislature and for subsequent political processes.