FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel is awaiting the results of a vote by her potential coalition partner — the center-left Social Democrats — to learn if she will be able to form a new government.

The Social Democrats started counting ballots Saturday night that its members cast on a proposed coalition government deal with Merkel's conservatives.

Party workers were to work through the night at the party's Berlin headquarters using high-speed letter opening machines. The result is expected to be announced Sunday at around 9 a.m. (0800 GMT).

A majority "yes" vote means Merk...