Special Prosecutor Raids Election Commission Over Ballot Record Forgery
Ten officials booked as investigation reveals systematic post-election tampering with official voting records.
1Special Prosecutor Launches Raids
The special prosecutor team led by Lee Tae-han initiated forced investigations into the National Election Commission and the Seoul Election Commission. Authorities executed search warrants targeting multiple offices, including the chairperson and secretary-general. The investigation focuses on allegations of official document forgery, destruction of public records, and dereliction of duty.
2Systematic Ballot Record Tampering
Investigators discovered that election officials allegedly falsified voting records after the June 3 local elections. The central commission reportedly instructed regional offices to modify documents four to five days after voting concluded. These modifications aimed to retroactively justify the use of unnumbered ballots distributed due to severe paper shortages.
3Scope of the Forgery
Approximately 140 polling stations faced ballot shortages, leading to the unauthorized use of unnumbered ballots. Forensic analysis of records from nine regional commissions revealed that at least 40 locations contained forged or altered entries. Officials allegedly inserted false notes claiming they had requested additional supplies to manage the shortages.
4Ten Officials Formally Booked
The special prosecutor has booked ten individuals as suspects, including the head of the election management division and various staff members from Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon offices. These individuals are accused of conspiring to alter official records to hide administrative failures. The investigation is currently expanding to identify further high-level involvement.
5Evidence of Centralized Instruction
Evidence suggests the central commission issued a directive on June 5, two days after the election, ordering regional offices to 'supplement' poorly written records. This instruction was allegedly motivated by the expectation that documents would be disclosed to the public. Officials then manually added details to the records to cover discrepancies.
6New Corruption Allegations Surface
The investigation has uncovered separate allegations regarding a 45.9 billion won project for ballot printer production and supply procurement. Suspicions indicate that a specific company, identified as Company A, received preferential treatment and leaked project plans. This discovery adds a layer of financial corruption to the existing election management scandal.
7Failure of Previous Investigations
Initial investigations conducted by a joint police and prosecution task force failed to uncover the ballot record tampering. The special prosecutor team identified the irregularities only after conducting a comprehensive analysis of materials seized from nine regional election commissions. This discrepancy highlights the depth of the alleged concealment within the organization.
8Impact on Electoral Integrity
The scandal has severely damaged public trust in the national election management system. As a government body responsible for democratic processes, the commission faces intense scrutiny regarding its neutrality and transparency. The ongoing legal proceedings are now considered a critical turning point for necessary institutional reforms and restoring voter confidence.