As many as six candidates for Germany's far-right AfD have died in recent weeks ahead of local elections in the big western state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Police have made clear there is no evidence of foul play in the deaths, but it means that new ballots will have to be printed and some postal voters will have to recast their ballots.
North Rhine-Westphalia has a population of 18 million and a reported 20,000 candidates will run for office in its 14 September local elections.
The number of deaths has nevertheless raised questions on social media. The state's interior ministry has pointed out that candidates from other parties, including the Greens and Social Democrats, have also died.
The AfD became Germany's second biggest party in February's federal elections, spreading from its eastern heartland to areas of the west too.
Initial reports centred on news that four of its candidates had died, and then the deaths of two reserve candidates also emerged, prompting a flurry of conspiracy theories on social media. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel made no effort to quash the speculation, reposting a claim by retired economist Stefan Homburg that the number of candidates' deaths was statistically almost impossible.
However, asked about the rumours in his party, the AfD's number two figure in North Rhine-Westphalia, Kay Gottschalk, acknowledged that the information he had did not support such suspicions. He stated they wanted the cases to be investigated carefully, respecting the families involved.
Police have reported that the initial four deaths resulted from natural causes or privacy reasons for not disclosing details. The two later deaths have been described similarly.
AfD strategists are hoping for gains in North Rhine-Westphalia's local elections, which they see as a critical test of voter sentiment since the federal government reshuffle. Recent polls indicate an improved standing for the AfD, reflecting a split in public opinion regarding the government and opposition parties.
Prominent figures in the US, including Elon Musk, have shown support for the AfD, amplifying their message against perceived bureaucratic suppression. Musk remarked, Either Germany votes AfD, or it is the end of Germany. This endorsement adds to the significantly charged atmosphere surrounding the elections.
