Saxony-Anhalt records sharply higher turnout than five years ago

Turnout in Saxony-Anhalt was markedly higher than five years ago, with 34.7% of eligible voters casting ballots by noon. At the same point in 2021, participation stood at 22.4%. The final turnout in that election, including postal voters, was 60.3%.

The election is being watched closely because several polls put the AfD at more than 40%, well ahead of the CDU, led by Minister-President Sven Schulze, at just over 20%. The AfD is seeking to form a government on its own. In Saxony-Anhalt, the state’s domestic intelligence agency classifies the party as a confirmed far-right extremist organization.

Around 1.69 million voters are eligible to choose a new state parliament. Polls also indicate that the Left, the Social Democrats and the Greens could enter parliament, while the left-populist BSW and the liberal FDP could fall below the 5% threshold. The evening could become inconclusive if the AfD approaches an outright majority or if the BSW’s result remains close to the threshold. The BSW is the only party to have suggested it might cooperate selectively with the AfD.

The state’s 2,130 polling stations remain open until 6 p.m., and postal ballots can be submitted until then. The state returning officer said the voting process had proceeded smoothly, with no disproportionate waiting times. Initial constituency results are expected from 7 p.m., while the preliminary official result should arrive during the night or early Monday morning. Schulze voted in Magdeburg and said after casting his ballot: “Then we’ll wait and see.” His main rival, AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund, voted in his home town of Tangermünde, where supporters were waiting for him.

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Then we’ll wait and see.