The investigation into election fraud in Ninove has intensified with the arrest of an eighth suspect, Dany Goessens, the city councillor responsible for Mobility, Parking Policy, and ICT. This development follows the earlier detention of seven other individuals linked to the Forza Ninove party, including another councillor, Malika Sclacmender. The News, confirmed by the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office on 2025-05-20 21:15:00, highlights growing concerns over alleged misuse of proxy votes during last year’s municipal elections.
- Arrest eight suspects in Ninove election fraud
- Forza party members face multiple investigations
- Allegations involve forged medical proxy documents
- High voter turnout prompts probe into proxies
- Forza Ninove narrowly won with 107 votes
- Vlaams Belang condemns investigation as harassment
Forza Ninove secured an absolute majority by a narrow margin of just 107 votes, making the stakes of this probe particularly high. The arrests involve several key party members, though Mayor Guy D’haeseleer has not been detained, citing health reasons. Still, the allegations of forged medical certificates and irregular proxy voting raise questions about the integrity of the local electoral process.
What impact will these ongoing investigations have on voter trust in Ninove? And how will the legal proceedings unfold for the Forza officials under scrutiny? The answers remain to be seen as the case develops.
What does this mean for local democracy? The investigation underscores the challenges of ensuring fair elections, especially when proxy voting is involved. Key points to consider include:
- The use of allegedly forged medical certificates to submit multiple proxy votes
- The unusually high voter turnout in Ninove compared to the Flemish average
- The legal process ahead, with the public prosecutor deciding on further judicial steps within 48 hours
- The political fallout, including accusations of a “witch hunt” from Vlaams Belang’s leader
As the investigation progresses, Belgian voters and officials alike must ask: how can electoral integrity be better protected? And what reforms might prevent similar controversies in future elections? Staying informed and engaged will be key as Ninove’s political landscape faces this critical test.
