Overview

• The city reported a provisional total of 24,891 votes (50.2%) for CDU incumbent Marc Buchholz and 24,690 (49.8%) for SPD challenger Nadia Khalaf after Tuesday’s full recount.
• A routine review had uncovered swapped votes in one postal district, overturning the election-night declaration that had shown Khalaf ahead by fewer than 70 votes.
• The Wahlausschuss ordered a recount of all 153 precincts over objections from the election officer and local CDU, who argued such a step is only warranted for widespread errors.
• The Bezirksregierung in Düsseldorf said it could not block the panel’s decision at this stage, with formal certification scheduled for the evening and potential legal review still possible afterward.
• Buchholz did not attend the public tally due to a long-planned silver wedding trip, while Khalaf supported the recount to ensure transparency.