Sweden: New details in Borlänge suspected election fraud case — homeless people and addicts allegedly targeted
New information in the Borlänge election investigation suggests socially vulnerable voters were approached, given pre-marked ballots and driven to polling stations, while Mohamed Abdukardir Ali denies involvement.
Euro Times – Stockholm
New information published on Thursday has revealed further details in the investigation into suspected improper influence on voting in Borlänge, Sweden. A group of men is alleged to have targeted people in socially vulnerable situations, including people experiencing homelessness or addiction, and to have provided some voters with pre-marked ballots before driving them to polling stations.
According to information reported by Sveriges Radio – Ekot, citing Dagens Nyheter, the group allegedly sought out potential voters, supplied pre-marked ballots and transported them to polling places. Where payments are suspected to have been made, the amounts were reportedly small.
Police suspect that voters were given ballots already marked with a personal vote for Left Party candidate Mohamed Abdukardir Ali, who won a seat in parliament after receiving 648 personal votes.
According to SVT, three people are suspects in the investigation, although none has been formally notified of suspicion of a crime. Ali has not been identified as a suspect and has denied any involvement.
SVT has also reported that police surveillance observed people being driven to polling stations and ballots inside a vehicle. The investigation concerns suspected improper influence on voting and is being handled by the National Anti-Corruption Unit within the Swedish Police National Operations Department, Noa.
Media reports have also described allegations involving financial transactions or payments. SVT says it has not independently confirmed claims that voters were offered payment, while police are investigating financial transactions.
The Left Party has announced that Ali will take a timeout and not serve as an MP from the start of the new parliamentary term while the investigation is ongoing. He has rejected allegations of wrongdoing.
The latest information marks a significant development in a case that initially focused on the transportation of voters and the distribution of pre-marked ballots, by providing a clearer picture of the groups allegedly approached and the methods said to have been used.
