North Korea's Elections: Fact, Fiction, and Questions
Local and National Elections
In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), elections are held regularly for the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), the country's national legislature, and for local People's Assemblies.
Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) Elections
SPA elections occur every four to five years, and all citizens over the age of 17 are eligible to vote.
Local People's Assemblies (LPAs) Elections
Local elections have been held in North Korea since 1999. Every four years, citizens can vote for candidates to represent their local assemblies, which oversee local administration and governance.
Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
North Korea is set to hold parliamentary elections on March 10, 2023. These elections will fill the seats of the SPA, and citizens will vote for candidates to represent their districts for the next five years.
The Role of Elections
Critics argue that North Korean elections lack competition and allow the government to maintain its legitimacy. However, some experts believe that the elections do allow for limited citizen participation in the political process.
Balancing Act
The DPRK government likely views the elections as a way to balance maintaining control while also providing some semblance of public representation.
Regional Elections with Limited Choice
While North Korea holds regional elections every four years, only a single candidate is permitted to run in each district. This practice ensures that the ruling party maintains firm control over the electoral process.
Rare Mention of Dissenting Votes
In November 2022, North Korea made a rare acknowledgment of dissenting votes in recent elections. However, analysts dismissed this as an attempt to project an image of normalcy rather than an indication of genuine electoral competition.
Expert Perspectives
Experts on North Korea emphasize the role of the military, internal security apparatus, and cabinet in supporting the ruling party's vision. They note that while the elections may provide a limited platform for citizen participation, the overall political system in North Korea remains tightly controlled.
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