Polling stations are open in Germany.<br/> <br />It's the first national election in Europe's largest economy since the region's debt crisis erupted four years ago.<br/> <br />Voters are expected to hand Chancellor Angela Merkel a third term.<br/> <br />But it's set to be a close race.<br/> <br />Merkel's current coalition partners the FDP have seen their support slip.<br/> <br />So her Christian Democrats may be forced into a grand coalition with the opposition Social Democrats.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Nadja Orlowski, German voter, saying (German):<br/> <br />"I'm for a grand coalition."<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Unnamed German voter, saying (German):<br/> <br />"I think it will be a tight race and so it's even more important that everyone votes."<br/> <br />The SPD's Chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrueck cast his vote in Bonn.<br/> <br />He's previously served as Finance Minister under Merkel, but has said he won't take a ministerial post in her government again.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Peer Steinbrueck, SPD Chancellor candidate, saying (German):
