Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election

Polling stations open in Saxony-Anhalt with anti-immigration party AfD predicted to gain 41% vote share

Polls have opened in the east German state of Saxony-Anhalt, where the populist, far-right, anti-immigration Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) is predicted to emerge on top in an election that could have a groundbreaking effect on Germany's political landscape.

About 1.7 million people are eligible to vote. Polling booths opened at 8am local time and will close at 6pm, when exit polls are expected to deliver an initial indication of whether the AfD has secured enough votes for an absolute majority, enabling it to govern the state.