Six arrested in electoral fraud investigation; Allegations of forgery, voter coercion

Six suspects have been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged electoral fraud during Gorinchem's municipal elections, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) announced on Wednesday. The individuals, ranging in age from 20 to 65, are accused of forgery and involvement in the organised recruitment of voters. More arrests have not been ruled out by the authorities.

“The report regarding voter fraud came from the mayor of Gorinchem,” the Public Prosecution Service said of Mayor Reinie Mellisant-Briene on Wednesday. “On March 25, 2026, shortly after this year's municipal elections, she filed a police report because she had received more than ten indications pointing to possible irregularities.”

The municipality declined to provide details about the suspects, directing questions about their identities and any possible links to current or former council members to the OM. Prosecutors have also so far refused to say whether any of the suspects are or were municipal employees. If the OM seeks to extend their detention, all six suspects must appear before an examining magistrate later this week.

Concerns emerged following the municipal elections in March over the alleged misuse of proxy voting and the improper solicitation of voters. Several residents reported being pressured to hand over proxy voting authorisations, either over the phone or by individuals calling at their door. Investigators also found that a council candidate had on multiple occasions accompanied voters to polling stations while they were carrying several proxy votes. As a result, residents were required to cast their votes again on April 29.

Police and prosecutors have been investigating the suspected electoral fraud for months. Their inquiry has led them to believe that signatures on proxy vote authorisations may have been falsified.

In a statement on the municipality's website, Melissant-Briene described the six arrests as "a serious step that underscores that possible wrongdoing is being investigated carefully and independently." She also referred to the impact "on those involved, on communities, on our city and on our organisation," and stressed the importance of allowing the Public Prosecution Service to assess the facts. "That legal process deserves space and calm."

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the suspected electoral fraud, and police say additional arrests may follow as the inquiry progresses.