Austria Holds General Election, Far-Right Parties Could Pick Up Victories

Atlanta, Ga. 9/27/2008 06:05 PM GMT

Following the collapse of a coalition government between the Social Democrats and the People’s Party after just 18 months voters in Austria will head to the polls on Sunday in what could be a big victory for the far-right Freedom Party and Alliance for the Future of Austria. Voters have expressed frustration with both the Social Democrats and People’s Party and that is being read by many as a potential swing to the far-right parties. Adding to the uncertainty of how the general election will turn is the voice of nearly 200,000 16 and 17-year-olds who are now eligible to vote in the general election.