Due to delays with absentee ballots, thousands of Germans living abroad are unable to vote in the elections.

German citizens living abroad are complaining that they did not receive their absentee ballots in time to participate in the national elections. This has resulted in many Germans being unable to vote in crucial elections that will determine the political direction of the country following the fall of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government. This is reported by Politico.

Karl Domens, a correspondent for the German News Network in Washington, expressed his outrage over the lack of ballots, stating that this is the first time in his life he cannot vote in a national election. According to him, thousands of other German citizens are facing the same issue.

The elections, scheduled for February 23, are critical for the country, as they will indicate how the political spectrum may shift.

Problems arose due to the short timeframe available for organizing the voting after the government lost a vote of confidence in December of last year. Election authorities were given only two months to prepare, including printing and sending out ballots, and due to the limited time, many were unable to dispatch absentee ballots on time.

Reports indicate that ballots must be received by the end of election day. The system does not allow for online voting or returning ballots by email, and voting through embassies or consulates is also not permitted.

As a result, some Germans are forced to travel home specifically or pass their ballots through acquaintances. In Belgium, delays in the postal system have also affected the receipt of ballots, further complicating the situation.

Some civic organizations are already planning to file a lawsuit, which could lead to a challenge of the election results.