Kim Chang-ryong "Complete Investigation of Early Voting Reports"... 'Gapho Emergency' Duty on Election Day

"Strict Investigation of the Five Major Election Crimes"

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated regarding the investigation related to the upcoming 20th presidential election, which is just two days away, "As always declared, we will conduct a strict investigation according to the procedures prescribed by law."

At a press briefing on the morning of the 7th, he said, "We are responding thoroughly to the five major election crimes: bribery, spreading false information, public officials' involvement in elections, election violence, and illegal mobilization of groups." He added, "Officially, we have received reports on 880 cases involving 1,048 people related to the presidential election investigation. Among them, three people are under detention for election violence, and about 50 have been referred to the prosecution. The rest are under investigation."

Regarding the confusion that occurred during the early voting held over two days starting from the 4th, Commissioner Kim said, "So far, there have been no official requests for investigation." However, he noted, "There have been quite a few 112 emergency calls received for various reasons," and added, "The National Investigation Headquarters is conducting a full investigation into the 112 reports related to early voting, and if any illegal activities are found, they will be thoroughly investigated."

Commissioner Kim mentioned that there are currently no plans to start a police investigation regarding the controversy over the violation of the principle of direct and secret voting surrounding the National Election Commission. He said, "So far, the National Election Commission's position is that they followed the procedures prescribed by law, and we respect that position," adding, "If reports, complaints, or accusations proceed in the future, we can verify those matters."

The police will deploy 68,786 officers to 29,706 polling and counting stations nationwide on the 9th, when the 20th presidential election is held, to conduct security and safety activities. From the start of voting at 6 a.m. until the counting is completed, the police will respond by issuing the highest security emergency level, 'Gapho Emergency.' In particular, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., when confirmed COVID-19 patients vote, patrols around polling stations will be conducted more than twice per hour.

During the transport of ballot boxes, two armed police officers will be assigned per route to escort the National Election Commission staff jointly, and escort services will be provided in areas with poor transportation. The security at counting stations will be commanded on-site by the chief of the local police station, and officers will be deployed both inside the counting stations and inside and outside the fences.

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