Germany Heads to the Polls: Critical Election Begins

germany - Approximately 59.2 million voters, including around 1 million of Turkish origin, start casting their votes to elect the 630 members of the 21st Federal Parliament in Germany.

German Elections Underway

In Germany, approximately 59.2 million voters, including around 1 million of Turkish origin, have begun heading to the polls to elect the 630 members of the 21st Federal Parliament (Bundestag). The elections, with 29 parties participating, see a total of 4,506 candidates, including 53 of Turkish origin, vying to become the new members of the Federal Parliament.

New Voting System Implemented

The elections are the first to be held under the new electoral law. Following changes made after the 2021 elections, the new Bundestag will consist of 630 members, down from 736. Voters will have the opportunity to cast two separate votes on a single ballot, with one determining the local candidate and the other the party list candidate.

Five candidates, including Olaf Scholz of the SPD, Friedrich Merz of the CDU, Alice Weidel of the AfD, Robert Habeck of the Greens, and Sahra Wagenknecht of the BSW, are competing for the position of the country's new chancellor.

Opinion Polls Favor CDU/CSU Parties

With the 5% electoral threshold in Germany, recent polls show the CDU/CSU parties leading with 27-30%, followed by the AfD at 20%. The SPD is at 15-17%, while the Greens hold a 14% vote share. The FDP and Left Party, previously below the threshold, are now showing potential to enter the parliament.