Voting Processes - Voting for European Parliament members is taking place in Germany.
In Germany, voting for the European election is underway smoothly. The federal election officer, Ruth Brand, informed the German Press Agency on Sunday morning that there have been no significant disruptions reported by state election officials. "Thus far, we haven't acquainted with any notifications from the state election officials regarding any substantial disturbances. Hence, from our perspective, it's progressing normally and efficiently," she said. Polling stations will remain open until 6:00 PM.
65 million citizens are invited to vote for the European Parliament in Germany. Alongside Germany, voting is happening in 20 other EU countries. In countries like the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovakia, citizens have already exercised their right to vote. Some 360 million individuals are eligible to cast their votes in the EU.
A total of 720 seats are up for grabs, with 96 of them assigned to Germany's representatives. Excluding the Indian parliamentary election, the European election is the biggest democratic vote worldwide and the only one conducted across borders. Approximately 1400 candidates are competing for 35 parties and other political associations in Germany.
According to polls, the Union is anticipated to win the German European election with a significant lead. The SPD, Greens, and AfD are at parity.
The first estimation of the seat distribution in the new European Parliament is expected to be announced on Sunday evening around 8:15 PM to 8:30 PM. The initial preliminary results from some EU nations are expected after 11:00 PM.
Election Commissioner Brand encouraged citizens to vote, emphasizing the "special significance of the election for the sway of voters over future political decisions in the European Union."
Brand also emphasized that even if voters cannot locate their voting notice, they may still vote by presenting their identity card or passport. However, they must be registered in the voter registry of their electoral district.
Apart from the European election, voters in various German federal states are invited to elect their local parliaments: issues like regional councils, city councils, or district assemblies are at stake in Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.
In Thuringia, where the local elections occurred two weeks ago, citizens can decide on future district presidents or mayors. In 15 districts and free cities, there will be a runoff election, with AfD candidates also on the ballot. AfD gained several seats in the local parliaments in the first round of local elections but failed to capture town halls and district offices.
The performances of parties in Brandenburg and Saxony are also captivating - in these states, the local elections serve as a barometer for the state elections in September.
The European election campaign in Germany ended on Saturday with rallies, protests, and calls to vote. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his Ukraine policy at the SPD's election closing rally in Duisburg, insisting on no NATO soldiers in the country. While France mulls sending military trainers to Ukraine.
Several cities witnessed anti-right-wing extremism protests and demonstrations for democracy on the eve of the election. A coalition of civil society organizations invited people to take part in these demonstrations, such as in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Dresden. Approximately 15,000 gathered in Berlin alone. The protest signs displayed phrases like "Heart instead of hate", "Human rights instead of right-wing people", and "Diversity without alternative".
The election campaign was peppered with attacks on politicians until the end. A Dresden AfD politician was assaulted on Saturday. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen canceled several events after experiencing a physical attack on Friday night.
Merz campaigns for von der Leyen as EU Commission President
CDU Chair Friedrich Merz urged his supporters on Saturday in his weekly newsletter to support the conservatives while promoting incumbent EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU). She is highly esteemed in Europe and across the globe, Merz stated. Voters could "convey a clear message to the traffic light in Berlin with their vote for continuity in Europe."
The 65-year-old von der Leyen seeks a second term as EU Commission President. In principle, the top post is held by the European party group garnering the most votes in the European election. Since 2019, von der Leyen has occupied this position. As Commission President, she oversees approximately 32,000 employees who, amongst various activities, propose new EU laws and monitor the compliance with European treaties. Moreover, she represents the EU at virtually all major international summits.
Von der Leyen is campaigning for a second term as President of the EU Commission.
On Saturday morning, Ursula von der Leyen, the CDU politician, voted in the European election at her hometown in Lower Saxony. She arrived at the polling station in Burgdorf-Beinhorn (Hanover region) around 10:00 a.m. with her husband, Heiko. As she entered the polling station, she greeted with a cheerful "Good morning" before heading inside to cast her vote. Upon exiting, she hesitated momentarily for a quick photo op in front of the cameras and then left soon after.
