The Local's guide to the 2010 Swedish elections

Welcome to The Local's Guide to the 2010 Swedish Elections.

It's already been four years since Swedes last voted on a new parliament and chose representatives for municipal and county councils. And on September 19th, the polls will open once again.

Will Sweden end up with its first female prime minister? Will a centre-right government manage to win an unprecedented a second term in power? And what’s at stake in the races for municipalities and counties?

Over the next two weeks, The Local will publish several articles designed to help readers get their heads around the different parties and some of their respective positions on a range of issues.

Whether you're planning to cast your vote in Sweden for the first time, or are simply interested in learning more, bookmark this page and keep coming back to check out the latest updates to The Guide.

You can also check our special section, Election 2010, which includes every election-related news story, including poll results, policy positions, and more.

Monday, September 6th
Introducing the Alliance
Introducing the Red-Greens

Tuesday, September 7th
Introducing the Social Democrats
Introducing the Moderates

Wednesday, September 8th
Introducing the Liberals
Introducing the Green Party

Thursday, September 9th
Introducing the Left Party

Friday, September 10th
Introducing the Centre Party
Introducing the Christian Democrats

Monday, September 13th
Introducing the Sweden Democrats
Introducing the Feminist Initiative

Tuesday, September 14th
Introducing the Pirate Party
Election Q&A: the Moderate Party
Election Q&A: the Green Party

Wednesday, September 15th
Election Q&A: the Left Party
Election Q&A: the Liberal Party - updated
How to vote in the Swedish elections

Thursday, September 16th
Election Q&A: the Social Democratic Party
Election outcomes - the lowdown

Pre-election features
In addition to the choice cuts fed to you on a daily basis and detailed above, The Local's election coverage has also included a wealth of feature articles and analysis to assist your understanding of the ins and outs of what is at stake. Here they all are, gathered for your perusal:

Suffering along the path to suffrage in Sweden
Dramatic election set to make Swedish history
Sweden's welfare state has endured centre-right rule
Cheryl Jones Fur - An American voice in Swedish politics
Parties struggle to entice first time voters
Maid in Sweden: clean home, dirty money?
Alliance touts strong economy in election bid
'Well-meaning Swedes treat migrants like pets'

Live Blogs
Check out The Local's up-to the minute coverage of election night from several of the parties' temporary headquarters, as well as development during the day following the election.

Live Blog: election night in Sweden
Live Blog: post-election developments