Federal election 2021
Bundestag decides partial re-election in Berlin
Voters are queuing in front of a polling station in the Prenzlauer Berg district. photo
© Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa
Long queues, incorrect or missing ballot papers, closed polling stations: the 2021 federal election was chaotic in many places in Berlin. Now it is to be partially repeated.
Due to numerous mishaps, last year’s federal elections are to be repeated in parts of Berlin. This was decided by the Bundestag and thus followed a corresponding recommendation by its Election Review Committee.
In a total of 431 Berlin electoral districts, citizens should again cast their first and second votes. However, it is considered likely that this parliamentary decision will be challenged before the Federal Constitutional Court. It is therefore unclear when the partial repetition of the election will actually take place.
The federal election on September 26, 2021 was chaotic in many polling stations in Berlin. There were long queues and waiting times, as well as wrong or missing ballots, which is why some polling stations were even temporarily closed. In many places, the polling stations remained open until well after 6 p.m. due to the crowds and the delays, although forecasts and projections were already circulating at that time.
At the same time as the Bundestag elections, the elections to the House of Representatives were also taking place in Berlin. The state constitutional court wants to decide on their repetition next Wednesday. During the oral hearing, it became apparent that the election of the Berlin state parliament would be repeated in its entirety.