Analysts Dismiss Mention As Propaganda

North Korea's Rare Mention of Dissenting Votes in Elections

Analysts Dismiss Mention as Propaganda

Elections Held Every Four-to-Five Years

SEOUL, Nov 28 (Reuters) - North Korea on Tuesday made a rare mention of dissenting votes in recent elections, although analysts dismissed it as an attempt to portray an image of a functioning democracy. Parliamentary elections were expected to be held in North Korea in March or April 2024, but it is considered likely they were delayed or canceled due to a lack of communication from the isolated country.

North Koreans are voting to elect the country's rubber-stamp parliament, the second such election since Kim Jong-un took power. Voting for the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) began early Tuesday, and, according to the country's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), turnout was high. Voters drop their ballot into one of two boxes, white for Yes and black for No, but No has never won. North Koreans had no option but to vote in local elections held in.

Conclusion: The mention of dissenting votes in North Korea's recent elections is a rare occurrence, but analysts believe it is likely an attempt to portray an image of a functioning democracy. However, the reality is that North Korea remains one of the most repressive regimes in the world, and its elections are nothing more than a sham.