Germany's highest court today ruled that federal elections can go ahead as planned on September 18th after dismissing complaints against the early vote from two politicians.
The Federal Constitutional Court's decision removed the final obstacle to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's drive to hold elections a year ahead of schedule. Campaigning is already in full swing.
Judge Winfried Hassemer said the court in Karlsruhe had made a "clear decision," with the panel of judges that heard the case voting 7-1 in favour of allowing the elections to go ahead.
Mr Schroeder pushed for early elections in May after his Social Democrats suffered a defeat in a key state election. He said he needed a new mandate for a reform program that has so far failed to revive Germany's economy.
Angela Merkel's opposition conservatives look set to beat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's Social Democrats (SPD). Ms Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are 12 to 14 points ahead in the latest polls.
Public unease over unemployment, now over 11 per cent, and low economic growth have eroded SPD support.
Markets generally favour victory for the CDU, which promotes more business-friendly reforms than its opponents.
AP and