Germany's top court began on Tuesday discussion over whether early national elections called by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are in line with the constitution.

The Federal constitutional Court in Karlsruhe is expected to issue its decision late this month or in early September. The general election is planned to be held on Sept. 18.

Most observers expect the court to flash a green light to the early poll, which had passed the previous two hurdles as Schroeder lost a confidence vote on July 1 and President Horst Koehler dissolved the Bundestag, the lower chamber of parliament, and approved it 20 days later.

Two members of parliament have lodged complaints with the court, saying early elections are unconstitutional because Schroeder still holds a slim majority in the Bundestag.

Source: Xinhua