More than 59 million German voters are set to cast their ballots on Sunday in an early parliamentary election.
Polling stations will open at 8:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM local time.
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A total of 59.2 million people, including 30.6 million women, will vote across 299 electoral districts to elect new members of the Bundestag, which consists of 630 seats.
For 2.3 million young voters, this will be their first election. Additionally, 7.1 million voters are of foreign descent, including one million of Turkish origin.
A total of 4,506 candidates from 29 political parties are running in the elections, including 1,422 female candidates. Among them, 53 candidates of Turkish origin are competing from various parties and regions.
Why Are Early Elections Being Held?
The election was called after the collapse of the current ruling coalition, prompting Chancellor Olaf Scholz to call for an early vote.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has re-nominated Scholz, a 66-year-old lawyer, who became chancellor in 2021, succeeding Angela Merkel, who held the position for 16 years across four terms.
Scholz had formed a coalition government with the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), which lasted for nearly three and a half years.
The opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have nominated Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU.
Merz, 69, a lawyer, has been a longtime critic of former Chancellor Angela Merkel within the party.
Key Candidates and Their Prospects
Friedrich Merz (CDU/CSU)
Leading in the polls with 30% support, according to a party-commissioned survey.
Alice Weidel (AfD – Alternative for Germany)
The far-right candidate, aged 46, has been a key figure in the populist right-wing movement.
Polling at 21%, making the AfD the second-strongest party in the race.
Olaf Scholz (SPD – Social Democrats)
The incumbent chancellor is running for re-election but trails in the polls.
The SPD ranks third, with 16% support.
Robert Habeck (Greens)
The Minister of Economy and Climate Protection, and Vice Chancellor.
The Greens are polling at 14%, placing them fourth.
Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW – Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht – Reason & Justice)
Former Left Party member who founded her own political movement in 2024.
55 years old, with a background in philosophy and German literature.
Popular in eastern Germany.
Latest Polling Data (ZDF Survey)
CDU/CSU – 28% (First)
AfD – 21% (Second)
SPD – 16% (Third)
Greens – 14% (Fourth)
Left Party – 8% (Fifth, expected to enter parliament)
FDP & Wagenknecht's Party – 4.5% each (Uncertain entry due to the 5% parliamentary threshold).
With tight competition and uncertainty surrounding some parties' parliamentary entry, Sunday's early elections will determine the future political landscape of Germany.
