Feature
BBC: German elections 2021:
Simple Guide To Vote
Ending Merkel Era
For the first time in 15 years, one opinion poll this week has given the centre left a lead over the outgoing chancellor’s conservatives. But one thing is clear, whoever wins will have to put together a coalition.
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hree parties currently believe they could secure enough seats in parliament to do that and choose the next chancellor. So, how will Germany’s election work? WHAT IS THE VOTE FOR? On Sunday 26th September, Germans will elect the lower house of the federal parliament, the Bundestag. Although voting in person
24
September
takes place on the day, postal voting has already begun. Some 60.4 million Germans over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. The Bundestag is made up of at least 598 seats, and usually more. Although the winning party becomes clear on the night, the make-up of the next government is only known once the winner is able to form an absolute majority in parliament with one or two other parties. So the next
chancellor will not be known immediately. HOW IS THE CHANCELLOR SELECTED? Typically the coalition party with the most seats picks the chancellor. But coalition-building takes time as parties have to agree common ground and haggle over ministerial appointments. When a deal has been struck, members of the newly elected parliament hold a vote to approve the new chancellor.
