Denmark's Social Democratic Party has withdrawn support from one of its municipal election candidates in Aalborg just days before voters go to the polls. The party's Nørresundby branch removed backing from Alexander Semga Nyugha after learning he received a criminal conviction for violence and threats.
The candidate received a three-month unconditional prison sentence along with a deportation warning. Nyugha has appealed the conviction to the High Court, with his case scheduled for December.
Aalborg's Social Democratic Mayor Lasse Frimand Jensen strongly endorsed the decision to withdraw support. He expressed frustration about the situation, stating the candidate had abused the party's trust. Jensen emphasized that Nyugha could no longer remain part of the Social Democratic council candidate team.
The mayor confirmed he only learned about the August conviction today. He described the situation as deeply disappointing and tiresome, noting the candidate's lack of honesty about his legal circumstances. Jensen stressed the party had no prior knowledge of the conviction during the election preparation period.
This incident highlights the rigorous ethical standards Danish political parties maintain, especially close to elections. Danish municipalities hold substantial power over local services, making candidate integrity crucial for voter confidence. The timing—just 12 days before the municipal election—creates significant challenges for the party's local campaign in Aalborg.
Nyugha occupies the bottom position on the Social Democratic list in Aalborg and has never previously served on the city council. He declined to comment on either the mayor's statements or the party's withdrawal of support, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
Danish political experts note that such last-minute candidate withdrawals, while rare, demonstrate the system's accountability mechanisms. Voters expect full transparency from candidates, particularly regarding criminal records. The Social Democrats' swift action aims to preserve public trust despite the embarrassing revelation.
The case raises questions about candidate screening processes within Danish political parties. With municipal elections determining local leadership for the next four years, parties face pressure to thoroughly vet all candidates while balancing privacy considerations.
International observers watching Danish democracy will note how quickly established parties address ethical breaches, even when damaging to short-term electoral prospects. This commitment to standards ultimately strengthens public confidence in the political system.