Auckland police have launched two separate investigations into alleged electoral fraud linked to this year’s Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board elections, after receiving multiple complaints from election authorities.
According to a report by 1News, Counties Manukau Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers confirmed that officers are looking into numerous concerns raised following the October polls. "We are investigating 16 complaints forwarded to us from Election Services," Vickers said, adding that the "investigation remains in the early stages".
Election Services, which oversaw the local elections across the Auckland region, has refrained from commenting further. A spokesperson told 1News, "As the matter is before the courts, we have no comment at this time."
Meanwhile, a separate legal challenge is set to be heard at the Manukau District Court tomorrow. The petition of inquiry was filed by unsuccessful candidate Vi Hausia, who has alleged irregularities in voting patterns within the Papatoetoe subdivision.
Despite concerns, voter turnout in the Papatoetoe area increased by about 7% compared to the 2022 elections. However, overall turnout across Auckland’s local board areas declined this year, as reported by 1News.
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