The Korea Herald reported that South Korean investigators searched a Seoul vote-counting venue Tuesday for election records and surveillance footage, a day before a planned inspection of 2.47 million ballot papers cast in Songpa Ward.
Special Counsel Lee Tae-han sent investigators to Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in southeastern Seoul under a search-and-seizure warrant. The Herald said it was the team’s first search of the arena since its investigation began last month.
Lee’s team said it would examine the records and footage to establish how the shortage occurred and assess allegations of election mismanagement by the National Election Commission (NEC).
The Herald said several polling stations ran short of ballots during the June 3 local elections, leaving some voters unable to cast ballots. The gymnasium holds the 2.47 million ballot papers cast in Songpa Ward, in southeastern Seoul. Protesters have blocked their removal, calling for accountability and a rerun of the election, the newspaper reported.
Police deployed 20 mobile units across Olympic Park Tuesday amid concern about possible clashes, according to the Herald. It reported that about 100 protesters were at the park, including dozens near the arena entrance.
EconoTimes previously reported on the special counsel team’s plan to inspect the ballots and election equipment for possible irregularities. The team plans to inspect the stored ballots Wednesday.
