MAGDEBURG, September 6: Voting is underway in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, in a closely watched regional election that could deliver a historic breakthrough for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Around 1.7 million eligible voters have been called to elect a new state parliament, with polling stations open from 8 AM to 6 PM local time.
AfD Enters Election as Clear Poll Leader
The AfD entered election day with a commanding lead in opinion polls.
Recent surveys cited by Reuters placed the party at more than 40% support, compared with around 23% for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
If translated into a sufficiently large parliamentary majority, the result could give the AfD an unprecedented opportunity to lead a German state government.
Ulrich Siegmund Leads AfD Campaign
The AfD’s campaign is being led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, who is seeking to become Saxony-Anhalt’s next state premier.
The party is hoping not merely to finish first but to secure enough seats to govern without coalition partners.
Such an outcome would mark a major political breakthrough for the AfD, as Germany’s other mainstream parties have maintained a political “firewall” refusing coalition cooperation with it.
CDU Faces Major Test
The election is also a major challenge for the CDU and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
State Premier Sven Schulze is leading the CDU campaign and is attempting to prevent the AfD from taking control of the state government.
If the AfD finishes first but falls short of a majority, the CDU could still attempt to assemble a governing coalition with other parties.
Smaller Parties Could Decide Government Formation
The final balance of power could depend heavily on whether smaller parties cross Germany’s 5% threshold for representation in the state parliament.
The performance of parties including the SPD, Greens and Left Party could significantly alter the number of seats required for a majority and determine what coalition combinations are mathematically possible.
Saxony-Anhalt’s new Landtag will consist of at least 83 members, although the final number can increase under Germany’s electoral rules.
Election Closely Watched Across Germany
The vote is being viewed as more than a regional contest because a strong AfD result could strengthen the party’s national ambitions ahead of Germany’s 2029 federal election.
A victory would also reinforce the AfD’s strong position in eastern Germany and place further pressure on Chancellor Merz’s governing conservatives.
First Projection Expected at 6 PM
Polling stations will close at 6 PM local time, after which broadcasters are expected to release the first election projection.
Initial vote-count estimates could follow around half an hour later.
Saxony-Anhalt’s official election authority says preliminary results will be published during election night, with a statewide provisional result expected overnight or early on September 7.
Until voting closes and projections are released, no party can be declared the winner.
source – Reuters / Saxony-Anhalt State Election Authority
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