BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel is awaiting results from a vote by grassroots members of a potential coalition partner to learn if she will be able to form a new government.
Germany's center-left Social Democratic Party prepared Saturday to count the ballots its members cast on a proposed coalition government agreement with Merkel's conservatives.
The result is expected to be announced on Sunday.
A majority "yes" vote means Merkel would remain chancellor for a fourth term, after 12 years in office as one of Europe's dominant politicians.
A "no" vote would bring uncertainty. It could lead to new elections — or a minority government unprecedented in postwar Germany.
Germany's parties have struggled to form a governing coalition, leaving Merkel in charge of a caretaker government since a September election.
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