Voters were presented with just one state-sanctioned candidate per seat and cast their ballots not to select but rather to show their approval or, at least theoretically, disapproval
PYONGYANG, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic Of — Millions of North Korean voters, including leader Kim Jong Un, went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new lineup of roughly 700 members for the next session of the national legislature, though the vote was more of an endorsement than a competitive contest.The elections, last held in 2014, are for the entire Supreme People’s Assembly, which on paper is the highest organ of power in North Korea.
As was the custom in the Soviet Union and other communist countries, turnout is generally reported at 99 per cent or higher. Voting is generally regarded as a duty and responsibility. Simply staying at home is not an option.“I’m very proud to be voting for the first time,” said 19-year-old university student Kim Ju Gyong, who cast her vote Sunday morning at the Pyongyang Primary School No. 4 polling station. “I feel happy to be a citizen and I want to do my best for the future of my country.
“The election will strikingly manifest the fixed will of our people to firmly trust and uphold to the last Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un despite storm and stress,” the ruling party’s official daily said in a commentary Sunday. Officials at two polling stations visited by the AP said they were not sure of the exact number this year, or when the results would be announced. Five years ago, 687 deputies were elected and the results despite being a foregone conclusion were announced two days after the vote.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
North Korea goes to polls to approve new parliament lineupMillions of North Korean voters, including leader Kim Jong Un, are going to the polls to elect roughly 700 members to the national legislature.
Read more »
Trump says he would be ‘disappointed’ if North Korea resumed weapons testingThe U.S. President also reiterated his belief in his good relationship with Kim Jong-un, despite the collapse of a summit last week
Read more »
North Korea rebuilds part of missile site it promised Trump to dismantleSouth Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported said work was taking place at the Tongchang-ri launch site and involved replacing a roof and a door at the facility
Read more »
North Korea has started rebuilding rocket test site it dismantled last year, satellite imagery showsThe development came after a high-stakes nuclear summit last week between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump ended without any agreement
Read more »
North Korea has started rebuilding rocket test site it dismantled last year, satellite images showThe development came after a high-stakes nuclear summit last week between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump ended without any agreement
Read more »
North Korea rebuilding structures at rocket site: reportsNorth Korea is reportedly restoring facilities at its long-range rocket launch site that it had dismantled as part of disarmament steps last year. The development came after a high-stakes nuclear summit last week between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump ended without any agreement.
Read more »
North Korea believed to be rebuilding long-range rocket launch siteFacility was dismantled last year as part of disarmament steps
Read more »
North Korea said to be rebuilding structures at rocket siteNorth Korea is restoring facilities at a long-range rocket launch site that it dismantled last year as part of disarmament steps, according to foreign experts and a South Korean lawmaker who was briefed by Seoul's spy service.
Read more »
Morning Update: Butts set to testify; North Korea restores missile siteAlso: Canada should create a new drug agency to address pharmacare gaps, a federal report says
Read more »