(27 Sep 1998) German/Nat
The result in east Germany will be crucial to the outcome of the elections.
Chancellor Helmut Kohl earned a lot of respect in 1990 as the leader who united the communist east Germany with the west.
But now many Germans in the economically depressed east have become disillusioned with the longest serving chancellor and his C-D-U party.
When the Wall came down in 1989, Helmut Kohl promised East Germans a better future, but their dreams have turned to disillusionment as unemployment reaches record levels.
Many east Germans feel the Chancellor hasn't delivered on promises to raise their standard of living.
The social and financial problems of reunification are still a major hurdle for the government - and it may be those problems that deny Kohl a fifth term in office.
Analysts have already predicted a strong vote for parties at the extreme right and left ends of the political spectrum.
Potsdam has a prominent place in German history.
It was the place where - in 1945 - the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union worked out how postwar Germany would be divided.
Potsdam is the capital of Brandenburg state, where voters on Sunday cast their ballot in local elections as well.
More than 16 and a half thousand seats are up for grabs in more than 15-hundred councils.
SOUNDBITE: (German)
"I have nothing against Kohl but he is too old and he must retire since there are a lot of young people behind him."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop, Voter
SOUNDBITE: (German)
"I hope that a new government will come to power today and that something will happen. Not only small change, but basic reforms must take place for the whole country.
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop, Voter
In Potsdam, residents are choosing a mayor as well.
In May, locals voted per referendum to get rid of SPD mayor Horst Gramlich because they were not satisfied with his performance.
Party member Matthias Platzeck, minister for the environment in the Brandenburg government, stands the best chance of winning.
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