Election Commission Special Investigation Marks One Month of Progress

The special investigation team of the Election Commission, led by Special Prosecutor Lee Tae-han, has completed its first month of operations. Having spent about one-third of its initial 90-day investigation period, the team is pursuing accountability for election management failures and various misconduct allegations through searches, forensic verification, and witness interrogations.

According to legal sources, the special investigation, which began on September 7, can be extended for a maximum of 150 days with two 30-day extensions. Over the past month, the team has reviewed records transferred from a joint investigation team and has initiated compulsory investigations, making it crucial to clarify specific allegations based on the gathered evidence and testimonies moving forward.

On September 17, the special investigation team conducted searches at ten locations, including the National Election Commission and local election offices. After completing an initial analysis of the seized materials, they are now conducting interviews with relevant individuals. Starting September 22, forensic investigators have been stationed at the National Election Commission to verify the existence of election statistics and management system data, as well as to check for any manipulation, concealment, or destruction of evidence.

In a media announcement on October 2, the special investigation team stated, "We are conducting our investigation independently, without any external interference, and are committed to uncovering the truth behind various allegations."

The decision-making processes of the election management leadership are a primary focus of the investigation. The team has extended the travel bans for former National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak and former Secretary General Heo Cheol-hoon. They are examining the rationale behind lowering the minimum printing standard for ballots from 60% to 50% of the expected voter turnout, as well as whether the leadership was involved in the drafting and approval of reporting and input guidelines for voter numbers.

The investigation is also looking into allegations of misappropriation of overseas travel expenses by Election Commission officials and bidding irregularities related to ballot boxes. The special investigation team has summoned the representative of a ballot box supplier as a suspect to investigate whether there was collusion for preferential treatment during the selection process.

As the investigation continues into election management practices, budget execution, and contract administration, distinguishing between operational errors and unlawful directives or complicity is critical for accountability. The team must verify the reporting and approval processes of the leadership and the handling of tasks by staff, supported by objective evidence.

Securing specialized personnel is also urgent. Recently, two investigators were dispatched from the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. Once Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the agency's first chief, is appointed, the special investigation team plans to visit the agency to discuss additional personnel in accounting, finance, and forensic fields. However, delays in appointing the chief have postponed further discussions.

The number of dispatched prosecutors has recently increased to 17, but this is still three short of the legal limit of 20. The special investigation team plans to request additional personnel from the prosecution office. Given that the investigation involves verifying electronic data and analyzing financial flows, securing the necessary personnel within the limited timeframe is expected to impact the investigation's pace.

Verification of ballots stored at Olympic Park remains pending. Acting Secretary General Kang Dong-wan explained during a National Assembly audit on October 7 that the special investigation team has requested the preservation of ballots on-site. He added that regarding the recount issue, "We will work with the special investigation team to ensure verification is completed as quickly as possible."

Acting Chairman Wi Cheol-hwan also apologized for the ballot shortage and inadequate handling of tasks, stating that they will seek reforms in organizational and vote counting procedures. Alongside institutional improvements, the special investigation team must clarify the actions that led to the failures in election management and the resulting criminal responsibilities as part of their ongoing investigation.