Page 109 - Election Book-ENG

environment conducive to inflating vote counts or altering
ballots. For instance, discrepancies between observed voter
numbers and NEC-reported #gures at an early voting station in
Yangsan, Gyeongnam Province, point to likely manipulation.
Such patterns suggest broader issues with early voting across
multiple regions.

Erosion of Secret Ballot Principles and QR Code Concerns

Cho criticized the use of QR codes on early voting ballots,
arguing that they compromise the principle of secret ballots.
While QR codes appear to ensure anonymity, they enable
the NEC to potentially trace voter identities especially
when combined with source code data. He described this as
anti-democratic and unconstitutional, emphasizing how it
undermines the secrecy and fairness of elections.

System Security Vulnerabilities and Hacking Risks

Cho highlighted severe weaknesses in the NEC’s electronic
systems, making them vulnerable to hacking and external
interference. Security audits by the National Intelligence Service
and the Korea Internet & Security Agency revealed that the
system’s deficiencies could allow unauthorized votes or forged
signatures. These vulnerabilities pose a significant threat to
the credibility of election results and create an environment
conducive to fraud.

Recommendations for Restoring Transparency and Fairness

11. Addressing Electoral Fraud Allegations and the Need for System Reform 109