The deliberate and illegal manipulation of the result of a political election, for example through the falsification of ballots or the influencing of voters.
example
Die Opposition warf der Regierung massiven Wahlbetrug vor und erkannte das Ergebnis nicht an.
The opposition accused the government of massive electoral fraud and did not recognize the result.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is composed of 'die Wahl' (the election) and 'der Betrug' (fraud). So it literally describes fraud that takes place during an election.
EXAMPLE
Internationale Beobachter wurden eingeladen, um möglichen Wahlbetrug zu verhindern.
International observers were invited in order to prevent possible electoral fraud.
Typical collocations
'Wahlbetrug' (electoral fraud) is often used with certain verbs. Typical combinations are 'Wahlbetrug begehen' (to commit electoral fraud), 'jemandem Wahlbetrug vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of electoral fraud), or 'Wahlbetrug nachweisen' (to prove electoral fraud).
EXAMPLE
Es ist schwer, einen systematischen Wahlbetrug nachzuweisen.
It is difficult to prove systematic electoral fraud.
Use with the genitive
In formal contexts, the word is frequently used with the genitive to express a suspicion or accusation. Pay attention to formulations such as 'der Vorwurf des Wahlbetrugs' (the accusation of electoral fraud) or 'der Verdacht des Wahlbetrugs' (the suspicion of electoral fraud).
EXAMPLE
Der Verdacht des Wahlbetrugs konnte nie vollständig ausgeräumt werden.
The suspicion of electoral fraud could never be completely dispelled.