People Power Party candidates Kim Moon-soo and Ahn Cheol-soo faced off on the 24th over the allegations of "fraudulent election" raised in the conservative camp. Ahn noted, "It is difficult to see that there is clear evidence." Kim responded, "If there is any problem, even with one vote, it should be corrected."

Ahn Cheol-soo (left) and Kim Moon-soo, candidates advancing to the second round of the People Power Party presidential primary, are holding a one-on-one debate at the Channel A studio in the Dong-A Media Center in Jongno, Seoul on Oct. 24. /Courtesy of National Assembly Press Corps

The two candidates made these remarks during the second round of the People Power Party primary "one-on-one debate" held at Channel A studio in Jongno-gu, Seoul, that afternoon.

Ahn said, "There is definitely mismanagement in the election," adding, "If evidence of election fraud is found amid mismanagement, everything could be resolved. However, if such evidence does not arise, it is very difficult to say that it is clearly fraudulent."

In contrast, Kim pointed out that the management of the election itself is flawed, mentioning issues related to the storage of "early voting." He further remarked that the allegations of election fraud are amplified due to the corruption and irregularities within the National Election Commission, which the public cannot trust.

When Ahn asked, "Were the last presidential and local elections we won also fraudulent?" Kim replied, "Just because we won does not mean that there are no fraudulent elections. If even one vote is susceptible to fraud, it should be corrected." Kim continued, "The National Election Commission has an obligation to listen to the opinions of those who allege election fraud and respond sincerely to grievances, because it is being funded by taxpayers."

However, the two candidates agreed that the Election Commission's management of elections is inadequate. Ahn stated, "Like Estonia, we need to apply blockchain technology to the election system to fundamentally prevent fraudulent activities," and added, "If this system is well developed, it can also be utilized as a livelihood for our country." In response, Kim said, "If elected, I will review that. We need to establish a good system to correct the problem."

Previously, former President Yoon Suk-yeol has continuously claimed that he declared a state of emergency on December 3 last year to investigate allegations of election fraud in the 22nd general election. At that time, Yoon cited issues with the National Election Commission's computer equipment and fake ballots in the ballot boxes as evidence.