North Korea's Elections: Lack of Choice and Dissent

Elections and Voting System

North Korea holds elections for the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) every four to five years and for Local People's Assemblies every four years. Parliamentary elections were expected in March or April 2024, but they have likely been delayed or canceled due to a lack of communication.

In North Korea, there is only one choice on the ballot paper. Voters cast their ballots into one of two boxes: white for "Yes" and black for "No." However, the "No" option has never prevailed.

Kim's Nuclear Agenda and External Influences

Kim Jong-un's primary objective is to persuade Washington to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear power. He may be seeking to exacerbate tensions during the US election year in order to achieve this goal.

Dissent and Image Management

In a recent statement, North Korea acknowledged dissenting votes in recent elections. However, analysts contend that this is merely an attempt to project a semblance of democratic process in the country, when in reality there is no genuine choice or dissent allowed.