Four candidates from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party have died unexpectedly in the lead-up to the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) municipal elections, raising eyebrows and concerns among supporters. The candidates—Wolfgang Seitz from Rheinberg, Ralph Lange from Blomberg, Stefan Berendes from Bad Lippspringe, and Wolfgang Klinger from Schwerte—passed away within a two-week period.
Social media has been rife with speculation following these sudden deaths, with posts from users like Stefan Homburg and Peter Borbe highlighting the statistical improbability of such an occurrence. Homburg"s post garnered over one million views, underscoring the public"s intrigue and concern. Despite the uproar, officials have stated that there is no evidence to suggest the deaths were anything but natural, and no police investigations have been initiated.
The circumstances surrounding the candidates" deaths remain largely unknown, with reports indicating they did not suffer from long-term illnesses. This lack of clarity has fueled fears among AfD supporters about the safety of their political representatives in Germany"s increasingly polarized political landscape.
As election officials scramble to print new ballots in light of these developments, the impact on the upcoming elections could be significant. The deaths not only affect the candidates" immediate communities but may also alter voter sentiment as the party seeks to maintain its foothold in NRW amid ongoing scrutiny and challenges. For further context on political tensions, see our previous reports on related developments.

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