Possible Bundestag re-election - parties plan around

After the break-up of the traffic light coalition in the federal government, the first preparations for a possible new Bundestag election are underway in Bavaria. Because the federal election, which is actually scheduled for September 28 next year, is to be brought forward, the parties have to pick up the pace.

"For an election date in September, we would have elected our state list in April 2025 as planned," explained Left Party spokesperson William Rambow on request. "In the coming days, we will now prepare a possible earlier election date in the committees." He pointed out that preparing for an election takes some time. Due to the formal deadlines alone, at least eight to ten weeks are needed to elect representatives and properly draw up a state list.

However, the organizational effort is enormous, especially as much of it is carried out by volunteers. A longer lead time would therefore be desirable, said Rambow. The Left Party also pointed out that the Federal Election Act stipulates that nominations must be submitted up to 69 days before the election. This deadline would have to be shortened in order to meet an election date by the end of March, as announced by the Federal Chancellor. "To 30 days, for example, as was the case for the 2005 federal election."

Organizational effort

The regional Green Party is also making changes to its plans. "We are prepared to draw up our list for the federal election earlier than planned, probably in January," explained regional chairwoman Christin Furtenbacher. The list was originally planned for mid-March.

At the CDU in Saxony, candidates have already been nominated in some constituencies, and in some district associations the list is planned for the end of the month. "We are keeping a close eye on Berlin and will then decide spontaneously on the state lists," said spokesperson Paul Schäfer.

In addition, election manifestos have to be written, party conferences held and election campaigns organized. The SPD in Saxony does not yet have a concrete timetable either. However, the Social Democrats are confident: "As the SPD Saxony, we are in a position to react quickly and organize possible new elections so that everything is legally clean and all applicable deadlines are met," said a spokesperson. No date has yet been set for the AfD either. Details are currently being discussed, they said.

36,000 election workers needed in Saxony

While the parties have to nominate their candidates and draw up lists, the state election management is busy with organizational issues. "The less time there is, the greater the challenges," said state election director Thomas Wolf. The municipalities have to organize polling stations and electoral committees have to be formed. According to Wolf, however, most of the preparations are time-bound - without a fixed election day, this is difficult. "We are monitoring the overall situation and are preparing for possible early elections." Around 36,000 electoral assistants will also be needed again.

On September 1, 3.3 million eligible voters were called to cast their vote in the state election. The CDU came out on top with 31.9% of the vote, ahead of the AfD (30.6%). In the 2017 and 2019 elections to the German Bundestag, however, the AfD was ahead in Saxony.