Breakdowns and organizational problems cause chaos in Berlin on the day of the federal election. A redial is in the room and is becoming more and more likely. Even if that can hardly influence the outcome of the vote.
A repeat of the federal elections in many Berlin districts is becoming more and more likely. A first draft for a draft resolution of the Election Review Committee of the Bundestag provides for a new vote in around 440 polling stations. That's what the committee said. According to the information, the districts of Pankow, Mitte and Reinickendorf are particularly affected.
The elections for the Bundestag and, at the same time, for the Berlin House of Representatives on September 26 were marked by many mishaps and organizational problems in the capital. These included incorrect or missing ballots, the temporary closure of polling stations and long queues in front of them, sometimes with waiting times lasting hours. In addition, some polling stations were open well after 6 p.m.
However, according to observers, it will still be a few weeks before a decision is made on the final proposal for a repeat election in the capital. Significant effects on the outcome of the election are not expected. "The right to vote is the central opportunity for citizens to participate," said SPD chairman in the election examination committee, Johannes Fechner, the "Spiegel". "Therefore, electoral errors of this magnitude must be corrected by new elections so that all citizens have an equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote and so that their votes get the weight they deserve."
In addition to a repeat of the Bundestag elections in around 440 of the 2,300 polling stations, partial or complete by-elections to the House of Representatives are also possible. However, the Berlin State Constitutional Court must decide on this. The first oral hearing has been announced for the end of September.
