Q&A: German parliamentary election

Stephen Evans explains how the Bundestag election works

On 22 September, German voters will go to the polls to elect a new Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right Christian Democrats and their allies are defending a majority of 40 in the current 620-seat assembly.

Who are the key players?

Peer Steinbrueck

Mr Steinbrueck and the SPD have focused on social justice

What are the main issues?

German voters on the issues that matter most to them ahead of 22 September's elections.

How does the system work?

Campaign t-shirts supporting Merkel

Recent polls credit the CDU/CSU with about 40% of the vote

Which outcomes are most likely?

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