AfD voting discrepancy in Saxony-Anhalt sparks election controversy

A significant discrepancy between in-person and postal voting results in the Saxony-Anhalt state election has sparked controversy and allegations of manipulation in Germany. According to data from the state's statistical authorities, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) received 51.2 percent of second votes cast at polling stations, but only 24.3 percent of postal votes.

In contrast, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) saw higher support among postal voters, receiving 24.3 percent compared to 14.5 percent in person. Because postal ballots accounted for 27.4 percent of the total votes cast, the final tally saw the AfD finish at 43.8 percent with 39 of the 83 seats in the Landtag. The CDU finished with 17.2 percent and 15 seats.

The result has created a deadlock, as 42 seats are required for a majority. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) won five seats, positioning them as a potential kingmaker. The gap between voting methods has led to calls from some legal figures and activists for a full recount of all 511 electoral districts or the restriction of postal voting.