Exit polls indicate the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is set to win the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to BBC News. The party is projected to secure between 44-44.5% of the vote, significantly ahead of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is expected to receive around 18.5%. The AfD has claimed this result represents a 'historic outcome' and asserts it has a mandate to govern the state. Ulrich Siegmund, the party's state leader, has stated he will not form a coalition with any other party, insisting on governing alone if the AfD secures a majority.

The Guardian reports that the AfD is predicted to win the election, which could mark the first time a far-right party has gained power at the state level in Germany since World War Two. The state of Saxony-Anhalt, with a population of 2.1 million, is currently governed by the CDU, which is led by state prime minister Sven Schulze. The CDU, which received about 23% of the vote in recent polls, hopes to form a coalition with smaller parties to retain power. However, the AfD has been classified as 'rightwing extremist' by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, a label it has rejected.

The AfD's projected lead is higher than earlier opinion polls suggested, but the final outcome will depend on whether smaller parties cross the 5% threshold needed to enter the state parliament. If they fail to do so, the AfD's chances of securing a majority increase. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's lead candidate, has emphasized that he will only take power if the party receives an absolute majority. He has also promised to implement policies such as a remigration and deportation offensive, banning rainbow flags in schools, and halting new wind farm projects.

Opposition to the AfD has been strong, with thousands gathering in Magdeburg for a 'festival of democracy' and a message displayed on the Magde, the bishop of Magdeburg, Gerhard Feige, warned against forces that seek to 'sow discord, stoke mistrust and fear.' He drew parallels to historical developments, cautioning that a democracy has the potential to 'abolish itself.' The German Economic Institute has also raised concerns about the potential economic impact of an AfD-led state, particularly regarding immigration policy, which it described as 'calamitous' for a state with an aging, shrinking population reliant on foreign workers.

Critics have also raised concerns about the AfD's alleged pro-Kremlin stance, warning that an AfD-run state could leak sensitive information to Russia. The AfD has dismissed these claims, stating it would seek to reform the domestic intelligence service, which it claims is biased. Independent election observers are present at polling stations, amid AfD claims of voter fraud, particularly in postal voting, though state authorities have denied these allegations. The election results are expected to be finalized soon, with further details to be released as the process unfolds.