Elections held in Saxony-Anhalt amid rising far-right influence

Voting began at 08:00 on September 6, 2026, in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, where approximately 1.7 million registered voters are heading to the polls to elect a new regional parliament. Polling stations are scheduled to remain open until 18:00, with initial exit polls and intermediate results expected to be released starting at 19:00, followed by updates every 15 minutes.

The election is being closely watched as the far-right AfD party, led by Ulrich Siegmund, enters the race as the frontrunner. Recent polls placed the AfD at 42%, significantly ahead of the CDU—led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz—which polled at 22%. While the AfD holds a clear lead, they are not expected to secure an absolute majority, potentially complicating the formation of a state government. Should they prevail, it would mark the first time a far-right party has led a German state government since World War II.

The political climate remains charged, evidenced by large-scale demonstrations held in Magdeburg on the eve of the vote. Organized by the coalition "Saxony-Anhalt: Open to the World," approximately 6,000 to 8,000 participants gathered at the city's cathedral to advocate for democracy and express opposition to far-right policies. Police monitored twelve separate events across the city to ensure public order during these gatherings.