On the 8th, YouTuber and journalist Lee Sang-ro encouraged participation in a "scientific verification team" via social media regarding the recount of 2.47 million ballots currently stored at the Olympic Park (Ol-gong). [Photo = Yonhap News]

On the 8th, YouTuber and journalist Lee Sang-ro encouraged participation in a "scientific verification team" via social media regarding the recount of 2.47 million ballots currently stored at the Olympic Park (Ol-gong). 

Journalist Lee asserted, "Regarding the recount of 2.47 million ballots in Jamsil being pushed by the National Assembly, all verification must take place at the recount site, regardless of who is conducting the recount," adding, "Evidence of fraud must be secured before the ballots are transferred to the National Election Commission."

He further emphasized, "In a typical vote count, the primary interest is in how many votes Candidate A, Candidate B, and Candidate C each received, but what we intend to perform is 'verification,' not just a 'vote count.'"

Therefore, the following verification results must be obtained at the Olympic Park site. 

For instance, if the count results in 100 votes for Candidate A, 50 votes for Candidate B, 200 "bricks" (irregular ballots), 10 "cabbage leaves" (invalid papers), and 10 "glue marks," those bricks, cabbage leaves, and glue marks must not be accepted as valid votes.

He also stated that the following preparations are necessary to announce such verification results.

First, the method of verifying the cut edges of ballot papers

"Ballot papers used on election day have a perforated line on the bottom left. There is a significant difference between edges cut with scissors at a polling station and those cut with a paper cutter at a printing shop. Those cut by scissors at the polling station have sharp, horizontal edges. 

However, ballots cut in bulk from top to bottom with a paper cutter at a printing shop have blunt vertical edges. Therefore, we must bring magnifying glasses or microscopes into the counting area. 

Furthermore, we must secure microscopic photos of cut edges from ballots cut one by one with scissors beforehand, as well as those cut with a paper cutter while stacked. We must conduct these experiments in advance. 

We must take the photos from these two experiments to the recount site and compare them with the actual ballots retrieved from the ballot boxes using the microscopes we bring to the site. 

Second, verifying the difference between polling station stamps and printing shop marks

'Polling station stamps' refer to those made by voters using the official seal inside the polling station. 'Printing shop marks' refer to marks mechanically printed on a large volume of ballots at a printing shop.

According to tips from viewers of 'Camera Chuldong,' 'If you shine a light from behind a ballot stamped at a polling station, the mark is visible, but marks from a printing shop are not.'

Additionally, because the pressure applied during stamping varies from person to person at polling stations, the shape of the stamp is irregular when viewed under a magnifying glass or microscope. 

However, since printing shop marks are applied mechanically, their shape is uniform. Therefore, high-magnification magnifying glasses or microscopes must be brought into the recount site.

Furthermore, the chemical composition of the ink used for stamping at polling stations may differ from the ink used at printing shops. This aspect requires prior consultation with experts. 

In my humble opinion, the difference might be discovered if examined under ultraviolet or fluorescent lamps. In any case, this must be proven at the recount site. 

Third, regarding the Special Committee’s recount and the Special Counsel’s investigation

"The recount pursued by the National Assembly Special Committee could be the result of political maneuvering between the National Election Commission and the ruling and opposition parties. We cannot entrust the recount entirely to them. 

Furthermore, a Special Counsel is an investigative agency. We should not expect them to collect 100% of the evidence we desire and request forensic analysis from the National Forensic Service or other specialized institutions. 

Therefore, we must pressure the Special Committee or the Special Counsel to verify 100% of the evidence we demand." 

In addition, journalist Lee emphasized, "To achieve this, an 'Olympic Park Scientific Verification Team' must be formed, and this citizen-led team must utilize all possible equipment available at the recount site to conduct the verification." 

The goal is to ensure that the Special Committee or Special Counsel is left with no choice but to follow the lead of the Olympic Park verification team.

Lee also stated that it must be clearly declared that regardless of whether the entity in charge of the recount is the National Assembly Special Committee or a Special Counsel, the recount cannot proceed without the participation of the 'Olympic Park Scientific Verification Team.'

Those wishing to join the Olympic Park Scientific Verification Team can do so by emailing journalist Lee Sang-ro (citylovelee@hanmail.net).