The special counsel team led by Lee Tae-han, which is investigating a ballot paper shortage during the June 3 local elections, has stationed forensic specialists inside the National Election Commission to examine its election management systems. The aim is to secure records related to allegations of manipulated election statistics and lax system management and security, and to determine whether any data was tampered with, concealed or destroyed.
In a notice to the press on the 2nd, the team said it has stationed its own forensic investigators inside the commission since Sept. 22 to verify directly whether relevant records exist and to obtain the materials it needs.
The review covers allegations that election statistics were manipulated and that the management, security and operation of the election management system were deficient. The team expects the verification to take several weeks or longer. It has also completed an initial analysis of items seized in raids on Sept. 17 at 10 locations, including the National Election Commission and regional election offices, and is questioning those involved based on the findings.
The team plans to draw on advice from outside investigative advisers made up of forensic experts to strengthen the objectivity and credibility of the review. "We are conducting the investigation independently, free from any outside interference," an official with the team said. "We are doing our utmost to establish the facts behind the various allegations."
The special counsel is examining 12 matters in total, including the ballot shortage during the local elections and allegations of manipulated voting statistics, as well as junket-style overseas trips by election commission officials, favoritism in hiring and promotions, and preferential private contracts and collusion with vendors. Around its launch on Sept. 7, the team received the original investigative files and evidence from the joint police-prosecution task force that had been handling the case. On Sept. 8, it questioned the secretary-general of a civic group, the Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasure Committee, which had filed a complaint against former National Election Commission Chairman Roh Tae-ak.
