Election chaos escalates as AfD loses SEVEN candidates to death just before German vote
By willowt // 2025-09-04
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  • Seven AfD candidates dead before German elections, causing administrative chaos.
  • AfD, classified as a right-wing extremist group, becomes Germany's second-largest party.
  • Election authorities reprint ballots, with some voters needing new ballots.
  • Police rule out foul play, but suggest natural causes or pre-existing conditions.
  • Speculations of foul play online, with various parties investigating further.
In a startling turn of events, German elections in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia are facing unprecedented chaos, just two weeks ahead of a scheduled September 14 election. Seven candidates from the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) have now died within a span of a few weeks, throwing the electoral process into disarray. The AfD, already a political force in German politics, has been under scrutiny and is seeing a surge in support, making the deaths of these candidates a matter of grave national concern.

The incidents and investigation

Hans-Joachim Kind, 80, a direct candidate in the Kremenholl district, died of natural causes. The first four, Ralph Lange, Wolfgang Klinger, Stefan Berendes and Wolfgang Seitz, all passed away within two weeks of each other, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation online. Their deaths were attributed to natural causes or pre-existing conditions, according to official reports. Two additional candidates, René Herford and Patrick Tietze, also died, further complicating the situation. Local authorities have found no evidence of foul play, but the timing and the number of deaths have ignited widespread speculation. Stefan Homburg, a retired economist, has claimed the number of deaths is "statistically almost impossible," and AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has shared this concern publicly. Meanwhile, AfD deputy state chairman Kay Gottschalk maintains that there is "no indication" of foul play and that the deaths are largely coincidental.

The political fallout and repercussions

The sudden and dramatic loss of seven candidates has prompted officials in North Rhine-Westphalia to reprint ballots in several municipalities, ensuring that the election process remains uncontaminated. The disruption includes sending new ballots to postal voters, since the deaths have led to the suspension of campaigns for the deceased candidates. The AfD, already under scrutiny, could see its momentum curbed by this turn of events. The AfD rose to become Germany's second-largest party in February’s federal elections, polling at 16.8% in state federal elections. Recent polls suggest the party could reach similar levels in the upcoming elections. The chaotic conditions surrounding the deaths of the candidates could either diminish or amplify the AfD’s appeal, depending on how the public and media perceive the event.

Historical context and political landscape

The AfD emerged as a political force in 2013, largely in response to Germany’s participation in the Eurozone financial crisis and subsequent austerity measures. Since then, the party has gained significant traction, particularly in regions hit hard by deindustrialization, such as the Ruhr valley in North Rhine-Westphalia. The party's surge in support in the state, from 5.4% in 2022 to 16.8% in the recent state elections, reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the political establishment and a growing preference for nationalist policies. Critics argue that the label “right-wing extremist organization,” though contested by the AfD and pending legal clarification, underscores broader concerns about the political landscape in Germany. This labeling reflects a broader tension between advocating for sovereignty and the fear of reviving elements of the country’s authoritarian past. Critics argue that such a label is used to silence dissent and manipulate public opinion.

Addressing concerns and moving forward

Given the recent surge in the AfD’s popularity and the state of disarray resulting from the string of candidate deaths, it is crucial for election authorities to proceed with caution. Ensuring transparency and thoroughness in investigations will help restore faith in the electoral process. Despite the chaos, local authorities committed to reprinting and distributing updated ballots to ensure the election proceeds as scheduled on September 14.

Resilience in the face of chaos

As the September 14 election in North Rhine-Westphalia approaches, the AfD faces an existential test. The deaths of seven candidates have disrupted the electoral process and raised questions about the stability and legitimacy of a political movement that has grown in popularity on the back of a nationalist and populist wave. Whether the AfD can recuperate from this setback and continue its surge in popularity, or whether the chaos will mark the beginning of a downward spiral, remains to be seen. Regardless, the incidents highlight the delicate balance between political dissent, national security, and the stability of a democracy that must navigate these waters carefully. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com WELT.de Newsweek.com
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