Saxony-Anhalt's election leaves coalition deadlock as AfD tops vote

The AfD won Saxony-Anhalt's state election with 43.8% but lacks a majority, leaving the formation of a new government uncertain. The CDU collapsed to 17.2%, its worst result ever, while smaller parties hold the balance of power. Coalition options are severely constrained. A government excluding the AfD would require a five-party alliance of CDU, SPD, Greens, Left, and BSW, which is widely seen as impractical, especially since the CDU has ruled out cooperating with the Left. AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund claims a mandate to govern, while BSW has refused to support either him or current premier Sven Schulze. The CDU state board meets Monday evening, with some members demanding Schulze's resignation. The new parliament must convene by October 6, with secret votes for premier potentially requiring multiple rounds. Record turnout reached 77.8%, and the FDP failed to re-enter parliament.