Left Party MP Mohamed Abdukardir Ali faces probe over alleged vote-buying tied to Somali venture

Mohamed Abdukardir Ali secured a seat in the Riksdag for the Left Party with fewer than 650 votes, prompting a corruption prosecutor to launch an inquiry into possible vote-buying after photographs showed cash and ballots bearing his name being handed to voters. Ali, a personal assistant by profession, also sits on the board of AfriTech Growth, which plans to market a bank-ID solution to the Somali government for use in digital elections.

His partner, Agneta Nyvall, says the venture is still embryonic, noting that no revenue has yet been generated and that the potential market could be sizable if Somalia chooses their system over alternatives from China or Russia. Nyvall reports that the firm has maintained contact with Somali ministries and regional leaders, conducting both virtual and on-site meetings. While Ali has a long history of local politics in Borlänge, including previous affiliation with the Moderates, he denies involvement in any wrongdoing. Prosecutors continue to investigate the alleged electoral misconduct.