German elections refer to the various electoral processes held in Germany to elect representatives at different levels of government, including federal, state, and local levels. The most significant elections are the federal elections, also known as Bundestagswahlen, which occur every four years to elect members of the German Bundestag (the federal parliament).
In addition to federal elections, Germany conducts state elections (Landtagswahlen) in each of its 16 states (Länder), where voters elect representatives to their respective state parliaments. Local elections are also held for city councils, municipalities, and other local governing bodies.
German elections are characterized by a system of proportional representation, where parties gain seats in the parliament in proportion to the number of votes they receive. The electoral system also includes a mix of direct constituency votes and party lists, allowing for both individual candidates and party platforms to be represented.
These elections are a vital component of Germany’s democratic process, enabling citizens to participate in governance and influence political leadership. They are governed by strict regulations to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all participants.