THE POLICE have launched an investigation into two incidents of alleged vote-buying during the November 9 regional elections in eastern Slovakia, Police Corps vice-president Ľubomír Ábel announced at a press conference on November 10.
"A criminal investigation has been launched in two cases in line with the [Penal Code's] paragraph concerning election corruption," TASR quoted Ábel, who declined to reveal whether the alleged vote buying contributed to the victories of any candidates. He said that more details will be announced within a few days. The cases are currently being dealt with by specialists from the Police Corps' department for combating corruption.
In total, the police registered 23 complaints concerning alleged illicit practices during the elections.
"Four misdemeanours were registered, and the remaining complaints were evaluated as baseless," Ábel said, adding that overall the regional elections were conducted without incident.
The Sme daily reported on suspicions of vote-buying in the Roma settlement in Jarovnice. Mayor Florián Gina allegedly threatened not to extend activation work contracts if locals did not go to the polls, the daily wrote.
Source: TASR, Sme
Compiled by Michaela Terenzani from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
