German Info: Elections 2002

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Elections 2002

Germans will head to the polls on September 22, 2002, to elect their federal representatives. So InFocus takes a look at the campaign and the candidates and presents a basic overview of Germany’s federal system, election process, and the role of political parties. Get regular information on Germany here.

Campaign Overview and News

In a piece for the American Institute on Contemporary German Studies, Wall Street Journal reporter William Boston notes that the 2002 campaign has taken on an air many in America may find familiar, while still remaining distinctly German. We have condensed his piece for InFocus.

Follow the elections from start to finish.

Official Results

The Federal Returning Officer has released provisional official results from the September 22 election. The Federal Electoral Committee will release the final official results on October 9.

Political Parties

In Germany, political parties enjoy a high status and play a significant role in government and society. Political parties form coalitions to build a governing majority. Party politics thus play an important role in elections as the parties in government try to highlight their achievements and those in opposition try to challenge them.

Election Process

Federal elections are held every four years. The total number of seats each party receives in the Bundestag is determined by proportional representation (with a 5% threshold), designed to give minority parties a share in the legislature. The Bundestag elects the Chancellor, who appoints the cabinet. Every five years, a Federal Convention selects the Federal President.

The Federal System

The Federal Republic of Germany is a parliamentary democracy. Its parliament consists of two chambers, the Bundestag (legislature) and the Bundesrat (assembly of federal states). Voters elect the members of the Bundestag, which in turn elects the head of government, the Chancellor. The Bundesrat is composed of delegates of the state governments. This section gives an overview of the federal system - its leaders, organization, government, cabinet and the voters.