The odds are that Austria's biggest parties from left and right will continue their 'grand coalition' after the general election on 29 September. However, it is possible that – even while nominally victorious – the two parties will see a decline in support.
Opinion polls suggest that the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) might fall below a combined 50% of the vote for the first time since 1945, forcing the grand coalition to seek a third partner to achieve a majority in parliament or to govern as a minority coalition.
The SPÖ is polling at around 26%-27.5% against the ÖVP's 22%-23%, followed by the far-right Freedom Party at up to 20%, the Greens at 14%-15%, and Team Stronach at around 6%-9%. Other parties are below the 4% threshold needed to enter parliament.
Many voters remain undecided – another symptom of the weakening hold of the traditional parties on their constituents – and there is apathy and boredom abound. Corruption scandals have damaged both parties, compromising their attempts to mobilise support.
The European Union has played only a marginal role in the campaign.
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