MPs in the conservative Independence Party have objected to Árni Johnsen, former MP who was jailed for fraud and embezzlement, being on the party’s ballot.
Johnsen was elected for the 2nd seat of the Independence Party’s constituency in south Iceland and will now run for MP in the general elections in May. Fréttabladid reports.
According to Fréttabladid, some of the Independence Party’s MPs are worried that Johnsen’s name on the ballot will cause their Party to lose votes.
Johnsen was convicted on charges of fraud and embezzlement worth ISK 50 million (EUR 540,287, USD 706,115) while in an authoritative position and sentenced for two years in prison, as explained on ruv.is.
After serving his time, Johnsen was pardoned. As a consequence he was eligable to take part in the Independence Party’s primary in the constituency of south Iceland, where he was elected for the 2nd seat.
According to ruv.is, Johnsen said he regretted his acts, but called the charges he was sentenced for “technical mistakes.” Johnsen added that many others had made mistakes before him, but he was the only one who had been punished.
Johnsen now says that his choice of words: “technical mistakes” had been clumsy, but that the ballot for the May elections will remain unchanged. “Nobody has asked me to step down,” he told Fréttabladid.
To read more about Árni Johnsen, click here.
