Voting in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt is under way in a closely watched election that could see the Alternative for Germany (AfD) become the first far-right party to take power at a state level since World War II.

AfD won Saxony-Anhalt's regional election by a wide margin but fell short of a majority. The result deepens pressure on Friedrich Merz while leaving government formation uncertain.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party faces a disastrous blow as AfD aims for Germany's first far-right state government since World War II.

The latest poll gave the party a commanding lead of 41%.

Germany’s far-right AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt election with 44%, challenging Chancellor Merz amid concerns over extremist policies and coalition uncertainties. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

It was however too early tell whether the AfD will have enough votes for an absolute majority that would allow it to govern a state alone for the first time.

The far-right AfD party wins a regional election in Germany, but falls short of a governing majority.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won the Saxony-Anhalt state election but failed to secure an absolute majority in the state parliament. Follow DW.

Germany’s far-right Alternative fur Deutschland has won a crucial state election in Saxony-Anhalt, exit polls showed, but the party may fall short of the majority needed to govern...

The far-right AfD won at the Saxony-Anhalt state election, but failed to secure an absolute majority in the state parliament. The party's state leader said the result sends "a signal to Berlin." Follow DW.

Germany’s AfD surged to 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, doubling CDU support, as Ulrich Siegmund hailed a “sensational” historic win amid dramatic national reactions.

"This election result is, above all, a vote of no confidence in the federal government,'' an expert said.