Home » Malika Scalcmender Among 7 Held in Ninove Vote Fraud Probe

Malika Scalcmender Among 7 Held in Ninove Vote Fraud Probe

Forgery, Proxy Voting at Heart of Belgium Election Scandal

by Sophia Bennett

NINOVE, Belgium — Seven individuals have been arrested as part of an investigation into suspected election fraud during the 2024 municipal elections in Ninove, East Flanders. The arrests, confirmed by the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office and first reported by VRT, took place on Tuesday morning.

Authorities suspect the use of forged documents, specifically fraudulent proxy votes supported by falsified medical certificates. The investigation began on 13 October 2024, election day, following concerns raised by a local magistrate. Since then, all proxy voting documents from the election have been seized for review.

While it is not yet clear whether Mayor Guy D’haeseleer or his party, Forza Ninove, are directly implicated, those arrested are reportedly close to the mayor. Among them is Malika Scalcmender, his stepdaughter and councillor for Youth, Sport and Animal Welfare in Ninove.

D’haeseleer has denied any involvement or wrongdoing. However, Forza Ninove’s campaign explicitly encouraged proxy voting. The final page of the party’s election programme even provided a contact number for those wishing to delegate their vote due to illness, travel, or work obligations.

This marks the first municipal election in Belgium where proxy vote manipulation became a criminal offense, now punishable by up to one month in prison or a fine.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the election results remain valid, as the legal window to contest them has closed. Authorities have not yet confirmed if charges will be filed against those arrested or if additional suspects may be involved.

Officials continue to emphasize the seriousness of electoral integrity, especially with new laws in place to deter vote manipulation through proxies.

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