A guide to Germany's electoral system

By Thomas Escritt
Updated September 23 2021 - 7:15pm, first published 7:12pm
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier may have to step in if post-election talks prove difficult.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier may have to step in if post-election talks prove difficult.

Sixty million voters, casting twice as many votes for 47 parties, leading to a parliament that could have anywhere from 700 to as much as 1000 legislators - the German electoral system is baffling even to Germans. Here are its key features:

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