The National Assembly Special Committee on the investigation into the ballot paper shortage during the June 3 local elections will conduct on-site inspections today (July 2) at the Songpa-gu Election Commission and Jamsil Olympic Park in Seoul.

This morning, the committee plans to visit the Songpa-gu Election Commission to receive briefings on ballot management, the response during the incident, and the overall voting and counting process, followed by an on-site inspection.

It is expected that questions will be raised regarding allegations that the Songpa-gu Election Commission intentionally destroyed ballot storage boxes, which are considered key evidence, after the controversy emerged.

The committee then plans to move to the Jamsil Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium, which served as the ballot counting station, to examine the ballot boxes and ballots stored inside.

It is reported that approximately 380 ballot boxes from across Songpa-gu, 2.47 million ballots, as well as voting and counting records remain inside the facility, unable to be removed due to ongoing blockade protests outside.

Considering the ongoing blockade protests at Jamsil Olympic Park, the special committee plans to send an official letter to the police requesting cooperation to secure access routes before conducting the on-site inspection.

The special committee also discussed a plan yesterday to conduct a public verification of the ballot boxes and ballots stored inside the stadium, involving ruling and opposition parties as well as civic groups.

(Photo: Yonhap News)