The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, trounced its rivals but was left unsure if it will be able to govern in Saxony-Anhalt. The result shocked Germany.

Germany celebrates its Unity Day next month, but the AfD’s triumph in Saxony-Anhalt has exposed how divided the country is.

Projections showed the nationalist, anti-immigrant AfD, labeled "extremist" by German authorities, winning by a wide margin in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Exit polls show the Alternative for Germany well ahead of rivals. Now other parties must decide whether to let it govern.

A score of 44-44.5 per cent would be the highest outcome for a far-right movement in a regional or national election since the second world war — and this for a party whose regional branch has been categorised as extremist by Germany’s domestic security service.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is speeding into state elections in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday with a sizeable lead in the polls. If the party gets an outright majority, it will mark the first time the far right has won an absolute majority in a state election since World War II.

RAGUHN-JESSNITZ, Germany — The first brick to fall in Germany’s so-called firewall against the far right was this town of some 9,000 people in the small eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt.

German intelligence has concluded that an explosive-laden drone was linked to Russia. Officials promise consequences.

The Alternative for Germany party has tried to soften its hard-line image but is still privately working with extremists. It could win a state election on Sunday.