Claims of 'stolen votes' in Foyle during general election

By Maria McCann

The SDLP is due to meet the electoral office over claims of vote stealing in Foyle.

The PSNI is also investigating reports of electoral fraud in last week's general election.

Constituents have apparently come forward with concerns their vote was stolen on polling day.

"Prior to the election I had expressed concerns to the electoral office and to the PSNI regarding breaches of the electoral rules constituents had raised with me.

Mark H Durkan MLA said: “While the PSNI have stated publically that they are investigating the concerns that have been reported to them, since the election, more constituents have approached me about their votes being stolen on polling day.

“Today, I am meeting with the chief executive of the electoral office to present the evidence and to ask for an investigation.

“This is a matter of public confidence and it is critical that all efforts are made to ensure that any malpractice is not tolerated.”

It's after Sinn Fein's Elisha McCallion snatched the seat previously held by the SDLP's Mark Durkan.