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Merkel faces tough electoral test Merkel faces tough electoral test
(40 minutes later)
Mrs Merkel's tough austerity measures have been unpopularMrs Merkel's tough austerity measures have been unpopular
Voting has begun for a new German president in what is being seen as a test of the popularity of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government.Voting has begun for a new German president in what is being seen as a test of the popularity of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government.
The role is largely ceremonial but the election may also become a verdict on her raft of austerity measures.The role is largely ceremonial but the election may also become a verdict on her raft of austerity measures.
Her candidate, Christian Wulff, faces a strong challenge from former East German rights activist Joachim Gauck.Her candidate, Christian Wulff, faces a strong challenge from former East German rights activist Joachim Gauck.
The president is chosen in an electoral college secret ballot. The result should be known on Wednesday afternoon.The president is chosen in an electoral college secret ballot. The result should be known on Wednesday afternoon.
A total of 1,244 elected representatives take part in the ballot. A total of 1,244 elected representatives take part in the ballot. Half are federal legislators and half state-parliament nominees.
Eurozone crisisEurozone crisis
The president has little power and the role is largely symbolic.The president has little power and the role is largely symbolic.
But the BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Berlin says a win for Mr Gauck would be considered a major blow to Mrs Merkel.But the BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Berlin says a win for Mr Gauck would be considered a major blow to Mrs Merkel.
The election has turned into a vote of confidence in Mrs Merkel's leadership. If Mr Wulff loses, her government could be in troubleThe election has turned into a vote of confidence in Mrs Merkel's leadership. If Mr Wulff loses, her government could be in trouble
Read Gavin's thoughts in fullRead Gavin's thoughts in full
She is under increasing pressure over her government's package of austerity measures and because of infighting in the cabinet, our correspondent says.She is under increasing pressure over her government's package of austerity measures and because of infighting in the cabinet, our correspondent says.
Her candidate is Lower Saxony state governor Christian Wulff, deputy leader of her Christian Democratic party.Her candidate is Lower Saxony state governor Christian Wulff, deputy leader of her Christian Democratic party.
He remains the favourite to win as Mrs Merkel's ruling coalition enjoys a majority in the electoral college.He remains the favourite to win as Mrs Merkel's ruling coalition enjoys a majority in the electoral college.
But Mr Gauck is a strong challenger - a non-partisan human rights campaigner who did much to expose the crimes of the East German secret police, the Stasi.But Mr Gauck is a strong challenger - a non-partisan human rights campaigner who did much to expose the crimes of the East German secret police, the Stasi.
Our correspondent says Mr Gauck is both popular and widely respected - with even some members of Chancellor Merkel's own coalition saying they might vote for him.Our correspondent says Mr Gauck is both popular and widely respected - with even some members of Chancellor Merkel's own coalition saying they might vote for him.
There are two minor party candidates, from the far left and far right.
There can be up to three ballots if the first does not give a candidate an absolute majority. A simple majority will suffice in the final ballot.
Analysts say the number of ballots it takes may in itself be seen as a comment on the popularity of Mrs Merkel's coalition.
Since coming to power last October, the coalition has had to tackle the eurozone debt crisis.Since coming to power last October, the coalition has had to tackle the eurozone debt crisis.
This has led to rescue packages for European partners that have been deeply unpopular in Germany.This has led to rescue packages for European partners that have been deeply unpopular in Germany.
The presidential election was called after Horst Koehler stepped down on 31 May.The presidential election was called after Horst Koehler stepped down on 31 May.
He was said to be uncomfortable over criticism of an interview he gave on the role of the German military.He was said to be uncomfortable over criticism of an interview he gave on the role of the German military.