SEOUL, July 23 (Alliance News): South Korean investigators on Thursday raided the National Election Commission (NEC) as part of an investigation into allegations that election officials falsified voter turnout figures during the June 3 local elections.
According to international media reports, a joint team of police and prosecutors searched the NEC headquarters and the Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission after uncovering indications that officials manipulated official turnout data.
Investigators suspect some election officials altered voter turnout figures across multiple polling stations to correct reporting errors instead of following the formal approval process required under NEC regulations. Authorities are examining whether the alleged manipulation was limited to frontline staff or involved senior election officials.
The June 3 local elections were marred by ballot paper shortages at dozens of polling stations, leaving at least 90 voters unable to cast their ballots, according to data released by the NEC. The controversy prompted the resignation of NEC Chairman Roh Tae-ak and led to nationwide protests demanding greater electoral transparency and, in some cases, a re-run of the elections.
President Lee Jae Myung ordered a comprehensive investigation into the election irregularities, stressing the need to restore public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
Officials said two election workers have been formally placed under investigation on suspicion of falsifying official electronic records, while further inquiries are underway to determine the full extent of the alleged misconduct.
If proven, the case would mark the first confirmed manipulation of South Korea’s official election statistics system.
The investigation has also reignited political debate over election integrity, with some groups renewing unsubstantiated allegations of foreign interference in the country’s electoral process. Authorities, however, continue to focus on the reported administrative irregularities uncovered during the investigation.
