Irish politics

Irish Far-Right Claims Election Rigging After Electoral Defeat

Following Ireland’s general election, far-right candidates and parties, citing unsubstantiated claims of election rigging and foreign interference, spread conspiracy theories across social media platforms. These theories ranged from allegations of specific candidates manipulating vote counts to broader assertions of systemic fraud, often amplified by prominent figures within these groups. Despite a lack of evidence supporting these claims, concerns regarding irregularities like duplicate polling cards and recounts did emerge, highlighting areas needing improvement in electoral processes. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue reported that the majority of these allegations centered on “foreign interference,” fueling distrust in Ireland’s democratic system.

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Irish Far-Right Fizzles in General Election

Despite momentum from recent local elections, far-right candidates experienced widespread defeat in the general election. The majority of candidates from various far-right parties and alliances failed to secure significant support, with most receiving less than 2% of first-preference votes and many eliminated early in the counting process. While some achieved higher percentages, none are currently poised for election. This outcome contrasts with the recent local election success of a few far-right candidates, highlighting a divergence between local and national voting patterns.

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