Precision Verification of 2.47 Million Ballots Held After 147 Days

[Anchor]

The special counsel investigating the ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections has conducted an on-site verification at the Olympic Park in Seoul. They are meticulously examining 2.47 million ballots to check for any signs of tampering or forgery. Let's go live to the scene.

Dong Eunyeong, is the on-site verification still underway?

[Reporter]

More than eight hours have passed since the verification began. Around 110 special counsel staff members and about 500 National Election Commission officials are seated across 40 tables, reviewing the 2.47 million ballots one by one to verify the ballot count and check for forgery.

This on-site verification is taking place 147 days after the June 3 local elections.

The special counsel explained that if problematic ballots are found, they will be separately classified for secondary verification, and if any irregularities are confirmed here, it could lead to a formal investigation.

In addition, they are analyzing CCTV footage secured during yesterday's (October 27) search and seizure to check whether unauthorized outsiders entered and whether counting machines or other equipment used on election day were hacked.

However, the special counsel stated that today's verification is merely part of the investigation and not a recount, meaning it will not affect the determination of winning candidates or the vote counts.

Police deployed approximately 3,300 personnel, including 48 riot police units, to prepare for any potential contingencies, but there have been no clashes with protesters.

[Anchor]

We understand that the start of the verification was delayed compared to the original schedule, is that correct?

[Reporter]

Today's on-site verification was originally scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. with the admission of press and National Assembly observer groups.

However, when the special counsel team announced a ban on filming inside the stadium after the verification started, some observers protested, causing delays.

[Do Tae-woo / Observer for the People Power Party: The desire to partially allow joint filming is being ignored like this, which I think completely goes against the purpose of today's verification.]

In the end, the verification began at 11:49 a.m., about three hours behind schedule, after the special counsel allowed filming by two broadcast camera crews and two observers from the ruling and opposition parties.

(Video by: Joo Yong-jin, Kim Nam-sung | Video editing by: Lee Sang-min)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.