The National Election Commission launched the ‘Security Advisory Committee for Optical Scan Counter’ to ensure reliability and stability in the management of counting process for the 6^th Nationwide Local Elections and called its first meeting on March 27.

The Committee consists of 8 security professionals recommended by major political parties, IT-related research agencies, civic groups and academia. In the meeting there were verifications of the function and the security system of the optical scan counter as well as exchanges of various opinions on ways to improve the relevant technology and system.

The NEC stated that as soon as the program is finalized for operating the optical scan counter to be used in the upcoming local elections, there will also be a verification of its source code, top-level security card authentication, etc.

The NEC is also planning to reinforce education and training for ballot counting staff to prevent any mistake during the upcoming local elections while reviewing and reflecting the result of verification of the optical scan counter to be provided by the Committee.