- Commencement of choosing period: legislative assembly in Saxony's electoral process
The 8:00 AM opening of polling stations signals the beginning of the Saxony's State Election. Over 3.3 million eligible voters are summoned to select the parliament representatives for the following five years. Individuals aged 18 or above and residing in Saxony for the past three months can exercise their right to vote until evening.
The election's outcome is more unpredictable than ever. As in the previous election, CDU and AfD are closely tied in polls. In 2014, CDU emerged victorious with 32.1% of the second votes, followed by AfD (27.5%). However, AfD has outperformed the Union in two federal elections and one European election in Saxony.
Simultaneously, SPD, Greens, and Left are wary of reentrance into the parliament. They can secure a place if they manage to win two direct mandates, allowing the state list to apply as well. A new political entity, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), has recently emerged. According to polls, BSW is the third strongest force, commanding up to 15% of support. The Free Voters still harbor hopes to penetrate the state parliament with their 4% votes. Unfortunately, it appears that FDP will face another defeat.
Potential coalitions?
Political scholar Hendrik Täger from Leipzig University proposes multiple alternatives, given the poll results – ranging from a three-party parliament comprising CDU, AfD, and BSW to a seven-party parliament, involving SPD, Left, Greens, and Free Voters. "Such a configuration would substantially complicate the government formation process," he remarks, only viewing the first three parties as 'secure.'
Nineteen parties are participating. Voters can cast two votes – one for a direct candidate in their constituency, and the second for a party. A total of 120 seats are up for grabs in the state parliament, with 60 being direct and 60 being list mandates. The number of seats might still increase due to surplus and equalization mandates.
Closing of the polling stations at 6 PM will trigger predictions, culminating in evening projections.
The AfD has outperformed the Union in several elections in Saxony, showing a strong presence in the region. Despite CDU and AfD being closely tied in polls for the current state election, other parties such as SPD, Greens, Left, and the new BSW alliance are wary of reentrance into the parliament.
