Seven arrests linked to the Forza Ninove party have sparked significant attention in Belgium. The police are currently questioning these individuals following an investigation into alleged forged proxies during last year’s local elections. On 2025-05-20 15:02:00, authorities confirmed the detentions but withheld details on the suspects’ identities or ages.
- Seven Forza Ninove members arrested, police interrogate
- Mayor D’haeseleer not arrested due to health
- Investigation targets forged proxy voting documents
- Vlaams Belang claims "orchestrated witch hunt"
- Forza Ninove won narrow absolute majority
- Prosecutors reviewing proxy forms, considering judge appointment
Notably, Mayor Guy D’haeseleer, who faces health challenges, was not among those arrested. The police operation was delayed due to his medical condition. However, Malika Sclacmender, D’haeseleer’s stepdaughter and Ninove’s alderman for Animal Welfare, Youth, and Sports, was taken into custody.
Given the controversy surrounding the use of proxies and the high voter turnout in Ninove, many are left wondering: How deep does this alleged fraud run, and what does it mean for local democracy? Let’s explore the implications in the Fast Answer below.
Could this investigation affect public trust in local elections? The case highlights several critical points:
- Forza Ninove secured an absolute majority by just 107 votes, intensifying scrutiny.
- Authorities seized all proxy forms in October to verify authenticity, uncovering suspicious doctor’s notes used to justify proxies.
- The parket confirmed no doctors were arrested, only party affiliates.
- Vlaams Belang’s national leadership defends the local party, calling the arrests a “witch hunt.”
As the inquiry unfolds, Belgian voters and officials will watch closely. Will this lead to stricter controls on proxy voting? Only time will tell, but transparency and accountability remain crucial for democracy in Ninove and beyond.
