Christian Berçaïts, the mayor of the French commune of Viodos-Abense-de-Bas in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, was found dead after losing the first round of municipal elections, according to Le Figaro.
Disappearance after results announced
Berçaïts reportedly disappeared on the evening of March 15, shortly after the election results were announced. According to first-round results, his opponent received 55.5% of the vote.
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After learning of his loss, Berçaïts left the polling station and did not respond to calls or messages.
Search and discovery
Relatives contacted police after noticing that an air rifle he kept at home was missing.
«His body was found the following day in a wooded area near the commune,» the report said.
His car was located a few dozen meters from where his body was discovered.
Investigation underway
The Pau prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation. According to preliminary findings, authorities believe the death may be a suicide.
