Germany Prepares for February Bundestag Election Under New Voting Rules
The early election, triggered by the collapse of the coalition government, introduces a reformed electoral system aimed at reducing the size of parliament.
- The Bundestag election, originally scheduled for September, will now take place on February 23, 2025, following the breakdown of the coalition government led by Olaf Scholz.
- This election marks the first implementation of the 2023 electoral reform, which sets a fixed limit of 630 parliamentary seats and eliminates overhang and compensation mandates.
- The reform aims to streamline the Bundestag and prevent the expansion seen in previous terms, while retaining the five-percent threshold for party representation.
- Voters will still cast two votes: one for a direct candidate in their district and one for a party list, with the latter determining the overall seat distribution.
- Logistical challenges include shortened preparation timelines for parties, election officials, and voters, with concerns raised about potential delays in overseas and mail-in voting processes.
Sächsische Zeitung 
Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung 
Die Zeit 
Die Rheinpfalz 
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