German federal election results begin to roll in as polls close

The German federal election is underway, with polls closing at 1800 CET. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) have been leading in pre-election polls. Exit polls and initial results are expected soon. In this election, voters cast two votes: one for a local candidate and another for a party list. A party must receive at least 5% of the second votes to gain seats, but parties winning three or more direct seats can bypass this threshold. After the results are calculated, parties will enter coalition negotiations. The new Bundestag will then elect the chancellor once these negotiations are complete.