In: Reformatorisch Dagblad
December 12, 2020
Dutch National newspaper
About 50,000 daily copies
Reach: About 150,000 people
Authors: Richard Donk (translated)
Complaining about fraud is allowed, but judge has last word
Complaining about electoral fraud is allowed in a democracy. But the judge has the last word. Henk-Jan van Schothorst: "That's what we have to deal with.
Since 1984, Dr Henk-Jan van Schothorst, director of Transatlantic Christian Council, has been closely following developments in the United States. But he cannot remember such "confrontational elections". "This ballot was unlike any other. In terms of style, but also in terms of content. All the commotion about possible fraud adds to that."
Van Schothorst does not venture to comment on the truth of the many allegations of fraud made in recent weeks. "I cannot investigate and prove it myself. I don't have enough insight into it from here. That is precisely why we have to be careful with overly definite statements."
A lot of big words are being used.
"That is indeed what happens over and over again. You are quickly dismissed as a conspiracy theorist, or as naive. That has happened to me too. I don't like that. As far as I am concerned, these conclusions are drawn too easily.
Meanwhile, the accusations of fraud are there. How can we find out the truth?
"In our democratic legal system, a majority of voters is decisive. These are the rules of the game that we all must respect. If someone feels aggrieved, he can make a complaint. We have devised a system for this - and it is also well established in the United States. Here, control is needed. Because humans are prone to all evil, but also to build in checks and balances. It is up to the judge to have the last word in this. We have to deal with that."
The criticism of all the lawsuits being filed is that the complaints are not specific enough and, above all, that no evidence is provided.
"I assume that the complaints filed are well worded and reasoned. Otherwise you can save yourself the trouble. As for evidence, there are many witness statements circulating and many more opinions. All that is being investigated. And here too, the rule is: I hear it all and take note of it, but the judge decides."
The same judge concluded in a number of cases that the 'evidence' was fake. Like the photo of discarded postal votes that turned out to be from two years ago.
"It is very good that these things are made public. My main concern is the way the votes were collected in this election. There were more than 100 million postal votes. Anything can go wrong with that. If those postal votes had not been there, there would not have been so much commotion."
At the same time, the complaint is that it is mainly the "mainstream media" that is hiding the news of possible fraud or treating it with a certain pity.
"If a party claims to have major concerns about the course of the elections, I would find it easy-going of myself not to take note. Especially if a party claims to have an avalanche of evidence and witnesses at its disposal. You have to pay attention to that. At the same time, by taking the matter to court, the aggrieved camp is taking on a heavy responsibility. They will really have to come up with substantial and well-founded complaints.
Because of all these developments, there has been a lot of speculation in recent months about the trust in American democracy. How do you view this?
"The American system is well constructed, as has been proven again recently. At the same time, the ideologies are clashing more and more."
On 20 January, Joe Biden will be installed as president. How do you view that day?
"That is the day when we will have to put on the full armour and go into battle, given the liberal agenda that Biden is promoting. My work is also very directly linked to that. We have prayed so much for Trump to win. At the same time, however sad it may be, the Lord goes His own way. That's why we should never be afraid. But we must be vigilant.
Source: https://www.rd.nl/artikel/904216-president-trump-blijft-zijn-huid-duur-verkopen