Seoul: Investigators raided the headquarters of the National Election Commission (NEC) on Thursday to secure evidence in a widening probe into ballot shortages during the June 3 local elections, legal sources said. Prosecutors and investigators on a prosecution-police task force executed a search and seizure warrant at the NEC office in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, after detecting evidence some watchdog employees manipulated statistics in their computer system to cover up errors in voter numbers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, ballot shortages were reported at multiple polling stations on election day, forcing some voters to turn back without casting their ballots. The raid marks a significant escalation in the investigation, as authorities seek to understand the extent of the alleged data manipulation and its impact on the election process.

The investigation initially focused on complaints from voters who experienced difficulties due to the ballot shortages. As evidence of potential manipulation emerged, the scope of the probe broadened, leading to the raid on the NEC's headquarters. Investigators are now examining the seized materials to determine how the data manipulation occurred and who was responsible.

The NEC has yet to release an official statement regarding the raid, but the commission is expected to cooperate with the authorities as the investigation continues. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for the integrity of the election process and the future operations of the NEC.