North Korea Mentions Dissenting Votes in Rare Admission
Seoul, South Korea - November 28, 2023
Analysts Dismiss Comments as Propaganda
North Korea on Tuesday made an unusual mention of dissenting votes in recent elections, though analysts have dismissed it as an attempt to portray an image of democracy.
According to state media, there were dissenting votes in elections held on November 26 to fill seats in local assemblies. This marks a rare admission of opposition within the tightly controlled dictatorship.
However, experts argue that the mention of dissenting votes is likely a propaganda ploy rather than a genuine shift in the country's political system.
"North Korea has a long history of fabricating stories and manipulating information to maintain control and project a certain image," said Ahn Chan-il, a North Korea expert at the World Institute for North Korea Studies.
He added that the mention of dissenting votes may be an attempt to appease international criticism of North Korea's lack of democratic practices.
Elections in North Korea are highly controlled, with only one approved candidate running for each seat. The Supreme People's Assembly, the country's national legislature, is a rubber-stamp body that approves all decisions made by the ruling party.
The admission of dissenting votes comes amid heightened tensions between North Korea and the United States. North Korea has recently conducted a series of missile tests, raising concerns about its nuclear program.
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