Voting disturbances, assaults reported as police investigate 88 election incidents in South Korea

South Korean police are actively investigating a total of 88 election-related incidents reported nationwide during the initial three hours of the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections and National Assembly by-elections. The reports came in between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on election day, June 3.

Of the 88 reports received by the National Police Agency, 33 originated in Seoul. The reported incidents were categorized into 14 cases of voting obstruction and disturbances, 3 cases of traffic inconvenience, and 71 miscellaneous cases, including instances of mistaken identity or other issues.

Notable incidents included a 64-year-old individual, identified as A, who caused a commotion at a polling station in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, by shouting after being stopped from leaving without casting a ballot. In Guro-gu, Seoul, another individual, B (60), became disruptive after being directed to the correct polling station. B allegedly struck and pulled an election official's arm, leading to an assault report.

In response to the volume and nature of these reports, the police have activated their highest-level emergency alert system, known as 'Gapho Alert.' This system is typically deployed during critical security situations and signifies the police's readiness to address escalating public order challenges. The alert underscores the authorities' commitment to ensuring a smooth and secure election process despite the reported disruptions.