National Election Commission special counsel begins verifying 2.47 million ballots at Olympic Park; observers protest filming restrictions

[Financial News] On the morning of the 28th, around 40 tables were lined up inside the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, each holding four ballot counters. Calculators and other supplies were set out on each table, along with notices showing examples of valid and invalid ballots. Observers in fluorescent vests took their places as nearly 500 verification support staff bustled about.
The special counsel team led by Lee Tae-han, which is investigating ballot-paper shortages, is launching a public inspection of about 2.47 million ballots from Songpa-gu at the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium today. The team is investigating, among other matters, a shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections.
At around 9:37 a.m., Special Counsel Lee took the podium on the first floor of the gymnasium and outlined a three-stage verification plan, saying, “Verification is a process by which an investigative agency uses its five senses to perceive the characteristics and form of an object.”
First, the team will analyze CCTV recordings from the ballot storage site to determine whether there was any outside intrusion. CCTV footage obtained in the search and seizure operation the previous day will be analyzed separately at the special counsel’s office.
Next, the team will check the seals on the ballot storage boxes, open them, and examine the total number of ballots and the condition of their markings and printing. If any anomalous ballots are found, they will be sorted separately for detailed forensic examination. Police and National Forensic Service personnel and equipment have also been deployed to support the initial examination on site.
Finally, the team will retrieve related equipment, including ballot sorting machines, to check for hacking and possible malfunctions. The specific items and scope of the verification may vary depending on the results of the ballot inspection.
Special Counsel Lee said, “We are well aware of the public’s distrust of the electoral system and are conducting the investigation with a profound sense of responsibility and vigilance.” He added, “We hope this verification will help address problems in election administration and serve as an opportunity to restore public trust.”
However, tensions rose at the site before the verification got underway after the special counsel team announced it would restrict individual observers from taking photos or videos.
People Power Party Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo, who attended as an observer, asked, “Is it right to prevent filming during an investigation of such great importance?” He called on the team to work out an arrangement, even if it meant delaying the proceedings by an hour. Other observers also argued that filming should be allowed to ensure transparency in the verification.
Special Counsel Lee explained, “CCTV cameras are installed on site, and video-recording equipment has been set up at each table. Allowing individuals to film could cause problems with the proceedings and security, so as a rule, we will not permit it.” He added that if an observer raises an objection to a ballot, it can be sorted separately, photographed, and documented as evidence.
When the special counsel team maintained its policy restricting filming, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and others also protested directly to Special Counsel Lee. A heated exchange also broke out between lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties. People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook objected, asking, “Why are you calling the expression of an opinion incitement?” Lawmaker Kim Tae-gyu also protested, saying, “Don’t use the word ‘incitement’ so casually.”
A special counsel official said, “Whether individual observers are allowed to film and whether the credibility of the verification process is ensured are separate issues.” The official added, “We will maintain our position that filming and recording are prohibited as a rule.”
Around 100 people, including an observer delegation selected by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, attended the verification on site, along with about 50 members of the press. The verification is expected to continue until midnight.
Earlier, at around 8:30 a.m., as National Election Commission staff entered the gymnasium, protesters gathered outside shouted, “What business do unqualified people have calling for a recount?” Confusion also arose during entry when people without identification badges were found inside the gymnasium and escorted out.
The verification is being conducted as part of the special counsel’s investigation and is not a recount under the election dispute procedures set out in the Public Official Election Act. It therefore will not affect the determination of local election winners or the vote totals.
 

[email protected] Choi Eun-sol Reporter