16 Candidates Die Ahead of German Local Elections

Officials in North Rhine-Westphalia are seeking to calm speculation after 16 candidates died ahead of municipal elections, saying the numbers are not unusual.
16 Candidates Die Ahead of German Local Elections
Supporters of the Alternative for Germany political party gather at a campaign rally in Erfurt, Germany, on Aug. 31, 2024. Sean Gallup/Getty Images
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One-and-a-half weeks before voters head to the polls in North Rhine-Westphalia’s municipal elections in Germany on Sept. 14, state officials have confirmed that 16 candidates have died during the campaign.

The deaths span across multiple parties, including seven from Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Evgenia Filimianova
Evgenia Filimianova
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Evgenia Filimianova is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of international stories, with a particular interest in foreign policy, economy, and UK politics.