Reform of the constituencies: Lower Saxony increased to 90 for the state elections!

Reform of the constituencies: Lower Saxony increased to 90 for the state elections!

The red-green coalition in Lower Saxony is bringing a breath of fresh air to the state parliament constituencies and is planning comprehensive reform. With the first increase in the number of constituencies from 87 to 90, this step will come into force at the next state election in September or October 2027 Panoramic view of Lower Saxony reported. The reason for the far-reaching changes is a decision by the State Court of Justice, which pointed out the irregularities within the constituencies.

The focus is primarily on the underrepresentation of the Weser-Ems region compared to eastern and southern Lower Saxony. According to the court, the number of eligible voters per constituency may deviate from the average by a maximum of 15 percent in order to ensure fair representation. Many constituencies are currently showing significant deviations, which requires massive intervention in the existing structure. The returning officer Markus Steinmetz even included a redesign of 62 of the 87 existing constituencies in his proposals. A region could receive two additional constituencies, while in the east of Lower Saxony two districts would have to be given up to make this possible NDR supplemented.

New constituencies and their challenges

The reform concept creates three new constituencies in Vechta, Nordhorn and Rastede/Varel. A particular challenge for the reform is the Lüneburg constituency, which recorded a dramatic decline in the number of eligible voters last year and only has 160 votes. For the state elections in 2027, this could also lead to a potential bloat of parliament. There are currently 135 MPs set out by law, but in fact there are already 146.

However, the reform plans are encountering resistance. Carina Hermann, parliamentary director of the CDU, expresses concerns about the possible bloat of the state parliament and sharply criticizes the coalition's plans. The voices within the CDU in particular warn of a confusing parliamentary situation if the planned changes are implemented as planned.

A step into the future

The red-green coalition sees the reform as necessary to take demographic changes into account. The State Court in Bückeburg pointed out that the future electoral law for Lower Saxony must be designed in such a way that all regions are fairly represented. It remains to be seen what specific changes will come our way in the future and how citizens can get involved. One thing is certain: the decision on the reorganization of the constituencies will have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape of Lower Saxony.