AT 18.00 LOCAL TIME

"Germany votes in close election

Mr Schroeder says he will quit if he fails to return as chancellor
Germans are going to the polls in an election which the two main hopefuls say is a fight for the nation's future.
Conservative Angela Merkel is ahead of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in the polls, but may not be able to form her coalition of choice if she wins.
With up to 25% of voters still undecided, the main parties have been campaigning right to the last minute.
The country's sluggish economy, high unemployment and foreign policy have been the election's main themes.
Polls close at 1800 local time (1600GMT)."
(BBCNews)