Police deploy 48 riot units ahead of special prosecutor's inspection of 2.47 million unverified ballots

Police have announced a large-scale deployment ahead of an on-site inspection by the special prosecutor team investigating the National Election Commission, including the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections, at the Olympic Park handball arena.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Tuesday it would "coordinate closely to ensure the special prosecutor's inspection on Oct. 28 proceeds without disruption, and will cooperate fully to maintain safety and order at the scene."

The special prosecutor team plans to conduct a public inspection of 2.47 million ballots stored inside the handball arena since the June 3 local elections. Police decided to deploy a large number of riot units out of concern over potential clashes between the special prosecutor team and protesters who have been blockading the arena.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to station 48 riot units, 150 dialogue officers and 300 detectives and investigators at the site.

During the inspection, the special prosecutor team plans to review closed-circuit television footage from the storage area inside the handball arena for signs of unauthorized entry and to verify the number of ballots as well as their marking and printing conditions. The team will also examine whether ballot-sorting machines and related equipment were hacked or malfunctioned.

A police official said the agency "clearly recognizes the gravity of the situation and the importance of uncovering the truth regarding allegations of infringement on citizens' voting rights, including the ballot shortage." The official added that police would "respond strictly in accordance with the law against any clear illegal acts, including obstruction of the special prosecutor's inspection procedures and investigative work, as well as assault, defamation or coercion targeting police officers or civil servants."