Germany's far-right AfD set for big win in eastern state, just short of majority
Germany's AfD has hailed a "historic result" and is projected to win 44% of the vote, far ahead of the conservatives on 17%.
Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) is heading for a big victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, far ahead of its mainstream rivals, according to incomplete results. Projections indicate it is set to fall short of a majority, but the AfD says it has won a mandate to govern.
The far-right AfD is set to win a record 44% of the vote, well ahead of the conservative CDU on just over 17%.
The AfD's charismatic leader in the state, Ulrich Siegmund, said it was "sensational" and they wanted to start governing as soon as possible.
A crowd of supporters at the AfD election night party HQ erupted in cheers as the projections came up on the screen.