Police and prosecution joint investigation team members conduct an seizure and search at the Central Election Commission's general election situation room in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province on the 11th. [Yonhap News]The joint investigation team formed by the police and prosecution to uncover the truth behind the ballot shortage during the June 3rd local elections is continuing its seizure and search operations at the Central Election Commission and other locations, which has been ongoing for over five hours on the 11th.

According to Yonhap News, the investigation team secured documents such as ballot printing plans, meeting minutes, budget statements, and CDs related to the local elections from the Seoul Election Commission office in Jongno-gu on the same day.

The investigation team is also conducting forensic analysis on files from the PCs of executives, including regional election commission office chiefs, and staff members at operational levels, focusing on data related to the June 3rd local elections.

Earlier in the day, around 9 AM, the investigation team initiated seizure and search operations at seven locations, including the Central Election Commission in Gwacheon, the Seoul Election Commission, and the election commissions of Songpa, Seocho, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak districts, where the ballot shortage occurred. These operations are being conducted on suspicion of violations of the Public Official Election Act, dereliction of duty, and embezzlement or breach of trust in the course of business.

Approximately three prosecutors, about ten prosecution investigators, and around 100 police officers were deployed for the seizure and search operations.

The warrants listed a total of about 10 individuals as suspects, including former Central Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak and former Secretary-General Huh Chul-hoon, as well as chairmen and secretaries-general of regional election commissions.

Based on the printing plans, meeting minutes, and budget documents secured on this day, the investigation team is expected to examine the background of the ballot shortage to determine if there was intentional misconduct or negligence by the Election Commission, and if there are any indications of misappropriated funds.

In particular, regarding alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act, the investigation team plans to intensely scrutinize whether Election Commission officials used their positions to exert undue influence on the election or obstructed the freedom of elections through fraudulent means.

However, to apply these charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, it is necessary to prove whether there was "intent."

A lawyer specializing in election law explained, "Article 85 of the Public Official Election Act, among others, focuses on proving whether public officials obstructed the freedom of elections through dishonest methods with political intentions," adding, "If it is revealed that some members intentionally interfered [with election management], they can be criminally prosecuted."