Polls open in Germany for pivotal general election featuring key candidates

German voters are casting their ballots in a national election, featuring incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz, opposition leader Friedrich Merz, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, and far-right candidate Alice Weidel. This election is significant as it follows the collapse of Scholz's coalition. Polls indicate that no party is expected to gain an absolute majority, likely leading to coalition negotiations in the coming weeks. This election is also influenced by current issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and security in Europe. The election was called seven months early after Scholz lost a confidence vote in December. This marks only the fourth time in Germany's post-World War II history that the Bundestag has been dissolved ahead of schedule.