Elections in North Korea: A Deeper Dive
The Supreme People's Assembly: A Rubber-Stamp Parliament
Every four to five years, North Korea holds elections for the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), its national legislature. However, the SPA is widely considered a rubber-stamp parliament, with the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) dominating all aspects of political life.
In the 2019 SPA elections, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un did not stand for election for the first time, signaling a potential shift in the country's political landscape. Despite the absence of Kim on the ballot, the WPK maintained its iron grip on power, winning all 687 seats.
Local Elections: A Glimmer of Change?
Since 1999, North Korea has also held local elections, offering a glimpse into the country's grassroots political dynamics. These elections allow voters to elect local officials such as district heads and members of county people's assemblies.
While local elections provide a limited degree of grassroots participation, they remain tightly controlled by the WPK. Candidates are carefully screened, and their campaigns are closely monitored to ensure adherence to party directives.
This Weekend's Elections: Another Formality?
This weekend, North Koreans will vote in the second nationwide elections since 2019. As in previous elections, voters will select representatives for the 687 constituencies in the SPA. The WPK is expected to maintain its dominance, but observers will be watching for any signs of change or dissent within the North Korean political system.
Despite the limited democratic elements in North Korea's electoral system, these elections offer a window into the country's political processes and the potential for future change. As the world continues to monitor North Korea's political landscape, these elections provide an opportunity to assess the stability and resilience of the regime.
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