AfD's Siegmund raises prospect of new election in Saxony-Anhalt

Ulrich Siegmund, lead candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), has raised the prospect of new elections in Saxony-Anhalt if no majority can be formed in the state parliament following Sunday's vote.

The latest projections show Siegmund's AfD narrowly missing out on an absolute majority of seats in parliament, which would have allowed it to become the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II.

Siegmund reiterated his intention to implement a radical shift in policy if elected, stating that they have a clear mandate to govern but will not compromise their principles.

The latest projections show Siegmund's AfD on 44% of the vote, narrowly missing out on an absolute majority of seats in parliament, which would have allowed it to become the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II.

"In a worst-case scenario, there would simply be a new election, and then we'd end up with 50 or 55%," Siegmund told public broadcaster ZDF. "Because the future lies with Alternative for Germany."

The 35-year-old, who would become Germany's youngest ever premier if he is elected, reiterated his intention to implement a radical shift in policy.

"If there is anyone with whom we can achieve this, then we will do so. We have a clear mandate to govern," said Siegmund. "But we will not compromise our principles, and we will not betray ourselves here."