The Erzgebirge District Office has rejected an objection filed by the far-right minor party Freie Sachsen against the mayoral election in Aue-Bad Schlema. The authority stated that the challenge to the election was unfounded. A thorough review found no evidence of the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the second round of voting. Freie Sachsen announced its intention to appeal this decision before the Administrative Court. In the election held about two months ago, CDU candidate Marcus Hoffmann narrowly defeated Stefan Hartung of Freie Sachsen. Absentee ballots tipped the scales on election night, June 7: Hoffmann received 5,007 votes, while Hartung received 4,499. Despite the rejected election challenge, the elected CDU candidate cannot yet take office. The district administration office must still officially declare the election valid. Due to the objection, the necessary review has not yet been able to take place, the office explained. Until a decision is reached, the incumbent mayor, Heinrich Kohl (CDU), will continue to perform his official duties. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
