South Korea investigates voter data discrepancies in local elections

Authorities in South Korea are investigating significant discrepancies in voter turnout data following the local elections held in June. Data from the National Election Commission (NEC) revealed that in 1,971 out of 3,558 polling areas, the number of voters recorded at the close of polls did not match the final figures released later.

In approximately 29 areas, the difference exceeded 100 voters. Notable inconsistencies include a polling station in Ansong, south of Seoul, where the count dropped from 2,105 recorded at 6 PM to a final total of 1,494. Conversely, a station in Busan saw its count rise from 7,137 to 7,922.

A joint prosecution and police investigation team is currently examining whether these shifts resulted from standard administrative verification processes or intentional interference. The NEC has stated that hourly figures released during voting are preliminary and subject to change during final verification, noting that discrepancies alone do not constitute proof of election fraud.