Austria’s national vote Sunday: Questions and answers

Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, head of Austrian People's Party, is applauded by supporters during a brief campaign rally in Vienna, Austria, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. Austria will hold national elections on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, head of Austrian People's Party, is applauded by supporters during a brief campaign rally in Vienna, Austria, Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. Austria will hold national elections on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

By Associated Press October 13, 2017 4 min read

VIENNA (AP) – Austrians elect a new government Sunday with polls indicating that the country will drift strongly to the right.

Here are some questions and answers about the election, and why it’s significant beyond Austria’s borders.

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WHY NOW – AND WHO ARE THE MAIN CONTENDERS?

Sunday’s vote is coming a year ahead of schedule after squabbles lead to the breakup last spring of the coalition government of the Social Democrats and the People’s Party. A total of 16 parties are vying for 183 seats in the national parliament and will be chosen by Austria’s 6.4 million eligible voters.