The far-right AfD gains 44.5% in the elections in Saxony-Anhalt — exit poll

The far-right AfD gains 44.5% of the vote in the elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the first exit poll data show, DW reports❶❷.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which has remained the dominant political force in the region for decades, receives the votes of 18.5% of voters.

The left party is gaining 9.5% of the vote, the Union-90/Greens — 9%, the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) — 8%. The Sarah Wagenknecht Union (SSV), according to exit polls, has secured the support of 5% of voters and is going to the land parliament — this party allows joint work with Alternative for Germany and they will have a majority for two if the results are the same as the exit polls.

The turnout was more than 76.5%, excluding voting by mail.

Bild, for its part, notes that this is a crucial moment. Berlin is waiting for the historic result of the elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Half an hour before the closing of the polling stations, the CDU leadership gathered at the Berlin headquarters of the party. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the head of the Chancellor's department Nina Varken and the leader of the parliamentary faction Torsten Fry arrived there.

The elections could be historic: the "Alternative for Germany" is almost guaranteed to win, but it is not yet clear whether it will have enough mandates to form a government.

According to the latest INSA poll, Ulrich Sigmund's AFD is gaining 43%, the CDU - 22%, the Left Party — 12%, the SPD - 7%. The key factor may be the result of the Greens and the Sarah Wagenknecht Union, which are balancing around a five percent barrier.

If both parties do not pass to the Landtag, the share of mandates of the remaining forces will grow, and the AfD may approach or receive an absolute majority. If only the Greens get into parliament, the CDU, SPD and Greens will have more chances to form a government with the support of the Left Party.

The Sarah Wagenknecht Union, unlike other parliamentary forces, did not rule out cooperation with the AFD.

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