Voter fraud investigation launched in Gorinchem after multiple reports of irregularities

The municipality of Gorinchem has launched an investigation into suspicions of voter fraud during last week’s municipal elections. The municipality received multiple reports that the voting process didn’t happen according to the rules everywhere, Rijnmond reported.

As is customary, polling stations drew up official reports detailing the course of voting day on March 18. According to the municipality, there were several notable mentions in these reports. The municipality also received information from residents that the voting process didn’t go smoothly or according to the rules. The municipality, therefore, decided to launch an investigation.

“I take the reports that have reached me extremely seriously,” Mayor Reinie Melissant told Rijnmond. “In close consultation with the police and the Public Prosecution Service (OM), an investigation has been launched into the suspicion of voter fraud. This must be done with the utmost care. It is impossible to say at this moment how long the investigation will take.”

The first priority is to ensure a fair and transparent democratic process, the mayor stressed. “Residents must be able to trust that their vote counts and that a reliable election result will be produced. Should it turn out that voter fraud has actually been committed, the necessary follow-up steps will be taken.”