The Dutch local councils association VNG has condemned recent social media statements questioning the integrity of last week’s election process, calling them “a threat to the democratic rule of law” in a brief statement on Saturday.

Although the VNG did not explicitly mention Geert Wilders, the response comes a day after the PVV leader shared posts on X suggesting possible election fraud.

The organisation described the allegations as “tendentious”, saying they “lack any form of evidence” and damage public trust in democratic institutions.

“Our staff and the many volunteers work extremely hard to ensure everything runs transparently, carefully and properly,” Utrecht mayor and VNG chairwoman Sharon Dijksma said. “Undermining the integrity of mayors without factual basis not only damages their position, but also public trust in our democratic institutions.”

The Kiesraad electoral council also responded on Friday to Wilders’ claims about the security of the election software, which he suggested had been tested by a company linked to a D66 confidant. The Kiesraad dismissed the suggestion.

Wilders also reposted social media claims of irregularities involving ballot papers in Maastricht, Leiden and Zaanstad without any verification. The individual councils also rejected the accusations, with a spokesperson for Zaanstad calling them “utter nonsense”.

The VNG called for respect for the legal process. “We have confidence in the electoral council and support its role in investigating any eventual irregularities related to the election process,” the organisation said. “Transparency and care in this are of primary importance.”