Delayed Or Canceled Elections Amid Lack Of Communication

North Korea Raises Rare Mention of Dissenting Votes in Elections

Delayed or Canceled Elections amid Lack of Communication

SEOUL, South Korea (Reuters) - November 28, 2023

North Korea has made an unusual mention of dissenting votes in recent elections, a move that analysts have dismissed as an attempt to portray an image of democratic transparency. Elections in North Korea are typically held every four to five years for the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), the country's national legislature, and every four years for Local People's Assemblies.

The mention of dissenting votes comes as parliamentary elections, which were expected to be held in March or April 2024, appear to have been delayed or canceled. A lack of communication from North Korean officials has led to speculation that the elections have been postponed due to internal factors.

Historically, North Korea has used elections as a way to restrict internal movement and track the whereabouts of citizens who may have left their local area without authorization. The country's full name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, belies the limited democratic freedoms available to its citizens.

Analysts believe that the mention of dissenting votes is an attempt by the North Korean regime to project an image of democratic legitimacy, despite the country's authoritarian nature. North Korea is known for its strict control over information and its suppression of dissent.