It has been speculated that several events influenced the outcome of the election in favour of the government: the death of King Gustaf VI Adolf the previous day, the Norrmalmstorg robbery and the 1973 Chilean coup d'état.

Prime Minister Olof Palme had delivered an impassioned speech on Salvador Allende's legacy on the eve of the election, in which he praised the democratic system.

The elections instead produced a draw, with the socialist and liberal-conservative blocs each winning 175 seats.

[2] Since the opposition could not pass a motion of no confidence against Palme's government, he was able to remain in power.

In order to pass legislation the Social Democrats had to draw lots or seek support from the opposition.