AfD's 44.5% in Saxony-Anhalt exit poll raises far-right power prospect

Exit polls show the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to win 44.5 percent of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, potentially securing a historic regional government leadership. The result exceeds pre-election polling, with AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund claiming a clear mandate and offering talks with all parties. Voter turnout surged to 76.5 percent, up from 60.3 percent previously, though other parties have refused to cooperate with AfD. If AfD gains power, it would be the first far-right party to lead a German state government since the Nazi era. The electoral system could grant them a majority with under half the votes if smaller parties fall below the 5 percent threshold, though exit polls show the SPD and Greens clearing it.