Part 8/9:
The German election process involves electing a parliament that subsequently forms a government. Voters have two votes: the first for a direct constituency representative and the second for a party. A decisive factor in this election will be whether small parties meet the necessary 5% threshold to gain representation in the Bundestag.
However, recent changes in the electoral process have introduced complexities. A cap on the number of total parliamentary seats aims to address growing concerns regarding an oversized legislative body.
Strategic voting has become common as citizens seek to influence the outcome, potentially voting tactically to ensure desired parties cross the threshold or to prevent less favorable parties from gaining seats.