The first free elections in the GDR

In January 1990 GDR prime minister Hans Modrow, concerned that the situation would become unstable, proposed that opposition parties and civil rights alliances should participate in government. Elections for the GDR parliament were due in May, but due to public pressure for action the date was put forward to 18 March.

Newly founded political organisations close to the traditional West German parties, the SPD, CDU and FDP, had an advantage in the election campaign. The West gave them organisational and financial support and sent helpers.

Several parties and movements with similar goals formed coalitions to boost their electoral chances. New Forum, the Initiative for Peace and Human Rights, and Democracy Now created the coalition Alliance 90. The CDU, Christian Social Union (CSU) and Democratic Awakening formed Alliance for Germany, relying on a popular manifesto promising monetary Union.

Election results

With an unusually high turnout, over 90%, the result was clear. The Alliance won just over 50% of the votes, which meant the majority of the population had voted for rapid reunification.

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