The National Election Commission plans to prevent North Korean defectors from entering South Korean diplomatic missions in China during the overseas voting period for the general elections. The overseas voting period for the April 11 general elections runs from March 28 to April 2, and the ballots are open to overseas Koreans with Korean nationality, and absentees such as those studying or working abroad. According to reports, the National Election Commission is reviewing plans to collaborate with the Chinese police force to prevent North Korean defectors from entering South Korean diplomatic missions, where the voting will take place, by pretending to be South Korean citizens.
An unnamed National Election Commission official was quoted as saying that such measures were “unavoidable,” and that North Korean defectors entering diplomatic missions during the period could lead to diplomatic friction with China.
The election watchdog is also said to be reviewing measures such as checking passports and turning away those who are unable to confirm their South Korean citizenship.
Full Article: Seoul to keep N.Korean defectors away from polling stations.