The Disappearance of the "Attach and Then Sign" Safeguard

The National Election Commission recently made a critical change by amending Article 92-2 of the Public Official Election Management Rules. Previously, ballot boxes were sealed and then signed. However, the recent amendment deleted the word "then," removing the sequential order.

While this may seem like a minor wording change, it creates a significant difference. 'Attach and then sign' is a real-time assurance process where observers visually confirm the ballot box's sealed condition and then make their mark directly on it. However, with the removal of the sequence, it now opens the door to argue that attaching a pre-signed seal later is "not a violation of the rules."

"Sign and Then Attach"? The Election Commission's Manual's Astonishing Reversal

Even more surprising is the early voting management manual. The Election Commission is instructing to "attach the signed seal." This disregards the fundamental definition of sealing.

Sealing is the act of proving whether an item has been opened by stamping an impression on the sealed area. Attaching a sticker with a pre-written signature is not 'sealing' but merely 'labeling.' Requiring signatures to be taken in advance, along with the introduction of 'non-residue seals' that leave no trace when removed, is tantamount to creating a method where ballot boxes can be tampered with by replacing seals during transit or storage, with no way to detect it.

What is the Election Commission's Intent in Preventing Observers' 'K'anin'?

The Election Commission's guidance also includes instructions to prevent observers from performing 'kanin,' which involves stamping a seal across both the ballot box body and the seal itself. While citing damage to the ballot box as a reason, the manual also states at the bottom that if 'kanin' is performed, it should be recorded in the voting record. This implies that the Election Commission itself acknowledges that 'kanin' is not inherently illegal.

Furthermore, it indicates an intention to preemptively identify and manage "which ballot boxes have been 'kanin'-ed." This is akin to the Election Commission creating its own targeting list for fraudulent elections, making it easier to tamper with only those ballot boxes that have not been 'kanin'-ed.

A Message to Early Voting Officials and Observers

Election fraud is not a conspiracy but a present reality. We warn early voting officials who facilitate or actively assist in this, and who threaten observers. Forcibly preventing observers from performing their rightful 'kanin' constitutes obstruction of observation and will result in legal responsibility in the future.

We appeal to all election observers participating in the upcoming June local elections.

1. Firmly refuse the demand for "signing before attaching." The assertion of "I will sign after confirming it is attached" is the legitimate right of an observer.

2. Be sure to perform 'kanin'. By signing across both the ballot box body and the seal, you must physically prove that the seal has not been replaced during transit and storage.

When the Election Commission relaxes security, the people must strengthen their vigilance. The people are the masters of democracy, and protecting the ballot boxes is our sacred right and duty. Let us respond to the Election Commission's declaration of war with 'thorough kanin'.

◆ Dr. Wi Geum-sook

Wi Geum-sook, Chairperson of the Special Committee for Election Reform of Freedom and Innovation & Ph.D. in Computer Science