On the surface, the German electoral system is similar to that of most other Western countries, although it does have its own quirks and peculiarities. DW-WORLD explains. When Germans go to their polling stations - often in schools or other public buildings - they select candidates for parliament with marks on a multiple-choice ballot. But when it comes to tallying the ballots, it's a whole different ballpark. Under Germany's parliamentary system, considerations other than the check mark come into play in determining the final makeup of the Bundestag - including things like 5 percent clauses, overhang seats and first and second votes. But the most important difference is that Germans don't elect their chancellor directly. Instead, they elect parties, and the parties gaining the majority of seats in the Bundestag then elect the chancellor.
When Germans go to their polling stations - often in schools or other public buildings - they select candidates for parliament with marks on a multiple-choice ballot. But when it comes to tallying the ballots, it's a whole different ballpark. Under Germany's parliamentary system, considerations other than the check mark come into play in determining the final makeup of the Bundestag - including things like 5 percent clauses, overhang seats and first and second votes.
But the most important difference is that Germans don't elect their chancellor directly. Instead, they elect parties, and the parties gaining the majority of seats in the Bundestag then elect the chancellor.
