The Election Commission: "We Apologize for the Inconvenience to Confirmed Patients Voting Early... There Is Absolutely No Possibility of Fraud"

"Guarantee of Observation for Party-Recommended Observers"

The above photo is not related to the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The National Election Commission (NEC) expressed regret on the 6th for the inconvenience caused to COVID-19 positive voters during early voting, but insisted that "there is absolutely no possibility of fraud" in the process.

In a press release on the same day, the NEC stated, "The temporary polling station voting method implemented this time was in accordance with laws and regulations, and the observation by party-recommended observers was guaranteed throughout the entire process, so there is absolutely no possibility of fraud."

Controversy arose at some polling stations when voting for COVID-19 positive individuals began at 5 p.m. on the last day of early voting, the 5th. Unlike the usual method where voters place their ballots directly into the ballot box after voting, COVID-19 positive voters cast their ballots at specially prepared temporary polling stations, after which election officials collected the ballots in baskets or cardboard boxes.

The NEC explained that since there was only one ballot box and COVID-19 positive voters could not access it due to movement restrictions, election officials delivered the ballots under the supervision of observers from political parties. However, concerns about the possibility of election fraud were raised. The NEC responded by explaining, "The same method was used for voters under self-quarantine on election day during the 21st National Assembly elections and the April 7, 2021 by-elections."

The NEC acknowledged some shortcomings in early voting management. It emphasized, "This election saw the highest early voting turnout ever, accompanied by high participation enthusiasm, limitations in election management personnel, and polling station facilities," and added, "We will promptly prepare measures to ensure that citizens can vote with confidence on election day."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.