This election marked the first implementation of a new law that made the active procurement of proxy votes illegal, imposing severe penalties, including imprisonment, for violations.

In response to the allegations, the prosecutor's office has confiscated all proxy votes cast during the elections to investigate potential irregularities.

The national leadership of Vlaams Belang, the far-right party of which Forza Ninove is a local branch, expressed astonishment at the arrests but chose not to comment on the identities of those involved.

In a significant development following the municipal elections in Ninove on October 13, 2024, seven individuals, including the Mayor's stepdaughter, were arrested as part of an investigation into electoral fraud.

The Mayor's stepdaughter, who serves as the town alderman responsible for youth, sport, and animal welfare, is among those implicated in the scandal.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Alderman Werner Somers of Forza Ninove expressed his unwavering confidence in the integrity of their team, suggesting that the judicial authorities are being overly zealous.

Former Mayor Tanja De Jonghe, representing the liberal party, expressed her shock at the situation, noting that her party did not file a complaint with the Council for Electoral Disputes when given the opportunity in November 2024.

Currently on sick leave due to a liver transplant, Mayor D'haeseleer has previously highlighted the importance of proxy votes, which were a focal point in Forza Ninove's election materials aimed at encouraging voter participation.