North Korea Election Map

North Korea's Rubber-Stamp Assembly Elections: Unchanged Despite Kim's Absence

History of Local Elections in North Korea

Local elections in North Korea have been held since 1999, but their significance is questionable due to the country's authoritarian system.

Kim's Absence in 2019 Elections

In the 2019 Supreme People's Assembly elections, the country's rubber-stamp parliament, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un did not stand as a candidate. This absence sparked speculation about his intentions and the stability of his regime.

However, despite Kim's absence, the elections proceeded without incident, and the results were largely as expected. The Workers' Party of Korea, led by Kim, retained its overwhelming majority in the Assembly.

Meaning of the Elections

The local elections in North Korea serve primarily to showcase the regime's control and legitimacy. They are not genuine democratic contests, as candidates are pre-selected and voters have no real choice.

Kim's absence in the 2019 elections does not necessarily indicate any weakening of his power. Rather, it may have been a strategic move to deflect attention from the country's economic struggles and focus on other priorities.

Implications for the Future

The local elections in North Korea provide limited insights into the country's political dynamics. While they do not signify any significant changes, they reinforce the authoritarian nature of the regime and its determination to maintain control through orchestrated electoral processes.