A court in Mechelen has found nine individuals guilty of violating electoral law by failing to turn up for election duty during last year’s polls, resulting in each receiving fines.
Initially, ten people faced charges, but one claimed to havereported for duty, prompting further investigation.
Of the remaining nine, four did not attend the polling station in question for the federal, regional, and European elections on 9 June, while the other five missed the municipal elections on 13 October.
The nine were initially offered a settlement of €250 each, which they failed to pay, leading to their trial.
Five of the defendants were tried in absentia, resulting in fines exceeding €750 each.
The others attended the hearing and presented various reasons for their absence, court spokesperson Luc De Cleir explained.
They were each fined €400, partially suspended, plus €150 each in court costs.
