North Korea elections 2014: People vote for rubber-stamp parliament

North Korea is voting in a five-yearly election to approve members of the rubber-stamp parliament, the Supreme People’s Assembly.

Each of the 687 districts has only one candidate running for office, with electors required to write only “yes” or “no” on the ballot paper.

Campaign posters across the capital, Pyongyang, have urged a “yes” vote.

Observers say the candidate list is an opportunity to see who is in or out of favor with the leadership.

In the last election in 2009, turnout was 99%, with 100% of votes in favor of the given candidates.

North Korea is voting in a five-yearly election to approve members of the rubber-stamp parliament, the Supreme People’s Assembly (photo AP)

The election is the first to be held under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, who came to power in December 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.

Kim Jong-un is reportedly registered as a candidate in Mount Paekdu, venerated in party propaganda as the birthplace of Kim Jong-il.

The vote is being held in a holiday atmosphere in the capital, Pyongyang, with performances taking place in the street.

“Through this election we will fully display the might of the single-hearted unity of our army and people,” said Hyon Byong-chol, chairman of a preparatory committee for one of the sub-districts in the election.

He told the Associated Press news agency that North Koreans were “firmly united” behind their leader.

Pyongyang resident Ri Song-gun told AP he had cast his vote of approval for his district’s candidate.

“I will devote all my intelligence and strength to fortify our socialist system centred on the masses, which was built and developed by our great generalissimos,” he said.

The vote comes three months after the brutal and sudden execution of Kim Jong-un’s once-powerful uncle, Chang Song-thaek.

bbgnd-nE4nk
Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Christmas Travel: Bad Weather and Airport Delays Affect Millions of Americans

Millions of Americans are bracing for difficult weather conditions during the Christmas holiday, with storms…

12 hours ago

House Panel Votes to Release Matt Gaetz Ethics Report

The US House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on former Republican Representative…

7 days ago

ABC News to Pay $15M to Settle Trump Defamation Suit

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to President-elect Donald Trump to settle a…

2 weeks ago

South Korea’s Parliament Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol Following Martial Law Scandal

South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt…

2 weeks ago

Syria: Israeli War Planes Carry Out More Than 100 Air Strikes

Israeli war planes have carried out more than 100 air strikes in Syria on December…

2 weeks ago

Donald Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on BRICS Nations

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the BRICS countries if they…

3 weeks ago