Conservative party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), runs local election campaign with Alice Weidel
In the small town of Stolberg, the local election campaign has officially kicked off, three months before the vote, as per the state's regulations. Amidst the usual flurry of campaign posters adorning almost every lamppost, a new addition has caught the attention of residents - posters featuring Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
On the 7th of August, election posters featuring Weidel's face appeared in Stolberg, causing some residents to express annoyance. Posters of local candidates Patrick Haas (CDU), Martin Henning (SPD), and Diana Graetz (Greens), running for mayor, can be found on almost all lampposts in the town.
The AfD posters, it seems, were registered with the city in an orderly manner. However, the legal situation regarding their presence in Stolberg remains unclear. The city is investigating the appearance of these posters, with no comparable case yet.
The AfD spokesperson has attributed the criticism and envy towards Weidel and the party's success story. The party denies any responsibility for the posters appearing in the local election campaign. Some of these national politics posters appear to be leftovers from the last federal election campaign.
The use of national political party posters during local elections in Germany is generally not considered election fraud, under German law. Election fraud typically involves illegal acts such as vote buying, falsification of results, voter intimidation, or tampering with ballots or voting machines.
However, any misuse of campaign materials that misleads voters, violates specific local campaign laws, or interferes unlawfully with the election process could potentially raise legal issues. Such instances may lead to administrative penalties or fines, but would rarely be classified as outright election fraud.
It's important to note that political campaigning is regulated to ensure fairness in Germany, but the display of posters from national parties during local campaigns is a standard practice and part of democratic campaigning.
Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Eschweiler, Weidel posters have also appeared. The appearance of these posters in Stolberg and Eschweiler has led some residents to speak of election fraud, due to the presence of the AfD party's poster in the local election campaign. However, no credible legal sources characterize the use of national party posters in local elections alone as election fraud.
For concrete legal advice or dispute cases, consulting German electoral law or legal experts is recommended, as this area can involve nuanced local regulations. The investigation into the AfD posters in Stolberg continues, shedding light on the complexities of political campaigning in Germany.
[1] German Federal Election Act (Bundeswahlgesetz - BWG) [4] German Election Law (Wahlrecht)
- The investigation in Stolberg is trying to clarify the legal situation regarding the presence of AfD party posters in the local election campaign, despite the general practice of national political party posters during local elections in Germany not being considered election fraud.
- Some residents in Stolberg and Eschweiler have expressed concerns about election fraud due to the appearance of AfD party posters in local elections, but no credible legal sources currently characterize the use of national party posters in local elections alone as election fraud, emphasizing the need for consultation with German electoral law or legal experts for concrete advice.
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