Merkel’s party wins Schleswig-Holstein state election

Merkel's CDU won 33 percent of the vote, up from 30.8 percent in the last election there in 2012, an exit poll for broadcaster ARD showed. The ruling Social Democrats Party (SPD) won 26 percent, down from 30.4 percent in 2012.

The SPD have been ruling the state since 2012 in a coalition with other parties.

The polls are also a boost to Merkel’s bid to remain in power as chancellor for a fourth successive term. Merkel and the CDU have retained the key post since 2005.

With more than 13 million people eligible to vote, that election was widely considered one of the most important indicators of the national mood ahead of the September election./.