Key facts
- Police raided the National Election Commission (NEC) and its local offices.
- The raids are part of an investigation into ballot shortages during recent local elections.
- Ballot shortages temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations.
- Former NEC Chairman Rho Tae-ak is listed as a suspect.
- The National Assembly has also begun procedures for a potential probe into the shortages.
South Korean police conducted extensive raids on the National Election Commission (NEC) and its regional offices on Thursday, as part of an investigation into ballot shortages that occurred during the recent local elections. Over 100 investigators participated in the 13-hour operation, which targeted seven locations, including the NEC headquarters and several Seoul-based offices where the shortages were most pronounced.
The ballot shortages led to temporary suspensions of voting at 26 polling stations across the country, primarily in Seoul's Songpa Ward, during the June 3 local elections. Police are examining the NEC and its local branches for alleged election law violations and dereliction of duty in connection with the incident.
Former NEC Chairman Rho Tae-ak, who resigned following the controversy, has been named as a suspect in the search warrant. Investigators aim to secure evidence, including documents related to ballot printing plans and distribution records, to ascertain the cause of the shortages. The National Assembly has also initiated procedures for a potential probe into the matter, with both major political parties submitting requests.