Denmark’s local municipal elections saw many surprises during the night – with the Social Democrats likely to get twice as many mayoral seats as the Liberals.

Despite a dropback in support, the Social Democrats remain the largest local party in the country and overall seem likely to garner 46 councils compared to 23 for the Liberals, according to a Politiken count.

Negotiations continued well into the night in 17 councils, with final decisions expected during Wednesday.

Apart from the Social Democrats and Liberals, seven Conservatives are assured of grabbing the chain of office, while the Socialist People’s Party – which stormed ahead across the country - is expected to garner three mayoral seats.

In Copenhagen, the Social Democrats retained the post of Lord Mayor with Frank Jensen. Jensen took over the candidacy following the decision by Lord Mayor Ritt Bjerregaard not to seek re-election.

The tally of personal votes – which for some parties determines which candidates will actually take seats in council chambers – is not likely to be published until later today.

Tuesday also saw regional elections in the five national regions. Vote counting continues in four of the regions with only Region Northern Jutland having found a winner – Social Democratic incumbent Ulla Astman.