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Germany’s "far-right" party AfD is set for a major victory in a crucial German state elction, according to exit polls, putting it well ahead of the mainstream parties.
It remains unclear whether the result in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt will be enough for the AfD to form a government, although the party says voters have given it a mandate to govern.
With full results expected tomorrow, the AfD is projected to win between 44 per cent and 44.5 per cent of the vote, comfortably ahead of the conservative CDU, which is forecast to take around 18.5 per cent.
The AfD has described the result as a “historic outcome”, with its influential state leader, Ulrich Siegmund, also refusing to rule out governing alone or in partnership with other parties.
No "far-right" party has taken control of a German state since the Second World War.
A government led by the AfD at state level would give the party significant influence over areas including policing, education and culture.
Saxony-Anhalt has a population of around 2.1 million.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency classifies the state’s AfD branch as “far-right extremist”, a designation rejected by Siegmund.
The AfD is projected to win between 44 per cent and 44.5 per cent of the vote | GETTYThe projected result is significantly higher than earlier opinion polls had indicated.
However, the AfD’s ability to govern will depend on which smaller parties manage to enter the state parliament, and how the seats are ultimately distributed.
A key factor could be whether any of the smaller parties cross the 5 per cent electoral threshold.
If one or more fail to do so, the AfD could benefit from the resulting distribution of seats, and potentially move closer to securing a majority.
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The party’s victory in the election for the state government represents a historic shift in German politics after years of cooperation between the other parties to keep the hard right out of power.
The AfD seeks to restrict immigration, quit the Euro and restore ties with Russia as most of Europe rallies around Ukraine.
Siegmund said that he was open to work with partners following the exit poll results.
He said: “We extend a hand to all democratic forces that wish to pursue better policies”.
However, the state leader added that topics including migration and domestic security were "non-negotiable".
This win is the biggest achievement in the party's 13-year history, at a time of widespread discontent with an unpopular national government that has yet to persuade voters it can get the country's sluggish economy moving.
Victory for the AfD is also a symbolic blow to the CDU - a centre-right party which has led Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years.