The German state election in Lower-Saxony (6.2 million of voters) will take place on 20 January. The CDU conservative candidate and current minister- president of Lower-Saxony David McAllister is leading the polls, although recent surveys indicate a tight fight between the government coalition (CDU together with liberal FDP) and the opposition (Socialists SPD and the Greens). This election has the potential to affect political alliances ahead of the general elections in September-October 2013. If the FDP gets at least 5% of the votes, gaining seats in the state parliament, CDU and FDP could continue to govern ... (full story)