Ulrich Siegmund, lead candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), has raised the prospect of new elections in Saxony-Anhalt if no majority can be formed in the state parliament following Sunday’s vote.

The latest projections show Siegmund’s AfD on 44% of the vote, narrowly missing out on an absolute majority of seats in parliament, which would have allowed it to become the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II.

“In a worst-case scenario, there would simply be a new election, and then we’d end up with 50 or 55%,” Siegmund told public broadcaster ZDF. “Because the future lies with Alternative for Germany.”

The 35-year-old, who would become Germany’s youngest ever premier if he is elected, reiterated his intention to implement a radical shift in policy.

“If there is anyone with whom we can achieve this, then we will do so. We have a clear mandate to govern,” said Siegmund. “But we will not compromise our principles, and we will not betray ourselves here.”