Photo by Jóna Þórunn/Wikimedia Commons

Suspicious activity in a remote, sparsely-populated region of north Iceland could be an attempt at swaying an important election for the area this month.

RÚV reports that, according to data from the National Registry, the population of Árneshreppur has increased by 40% between April 24 and May 4. Before this period, there were 44 legally registered households in the region, but 17 individuals have moved their legal residence to Árneshreppur during this 10-day period alone.

The National Registry has regarded the activity with suspicion, and say that there is substantial reason to believe that this may be an attempt to sway the votes in the upcoming municipal elections, which will be held on May 26.

As reported, Árneshreppur is one of several regions in the northwest where virtually everyone is a candidate for their regional councils. No parties are officially running in these areas, so instead, residents are voting for individual candidates and their platforms.

At stake in Árneshreppur in particular is the planned construction of a power plant on Hvalá river. Most residents support the building of the power plant, raising questions about whether Árneshreppur’s “new arrivals” intend to sway elections in the other direction.