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Wednesday, 10 April, 2002, 09:55 GMT 10:55 UK
Police inquiry over vote rigging
Police officer in Oldham
Police will monitor polling stations in May
Police in Greater Manchester are investigating allegations of vote rigging ahead of local elections in May.

It is alleged some households in Oldham appear to have an excessive number of voters for the size of the property.

There are also claims that electors have been registered at vacant properties.

Officers in Oldham have met a local councillor who has pointed out the irregularities in the electoral roll.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said anyone attempting to cast a bogus vote would be arrested.


We do not wish to see a repeat of the widespread abuse of the electoral system as seen in May 2000

Det Ch Insp Martin Bottomley

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Bottomley said: "I have a number of officers investigating reports passed to me by a local councillor, acting on behalf of a prospective candidate.

"These may or may not disclose criminal offences.

"We are determined however, that we do not wish to see a repeat of the widespread abuse of the electoral system as seen in May 2000."

At that time similar allegations of vote rigging marred local elections in Oldham and Manchester.

And in Burnley, Lancashire, a police investigation revealed false applications for proxy votes.

Police presence

Det Ch Insp Bottomley said: "I would invite any councillors, prospective candidates or their agents to contact me at Oldham Police Station if they have any suspicions or concerns.

"We will actively investigate any allegations brought to our attention and in addition are putting certain measures in place to pre-empt any offences being committed on election day itself."

Police officers will be based at key polling stations while votes are cast on 5 May.


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See also:

15 Nov 01 | England
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