North Korea made a rare mention of dissenting votes in recent elections, reporting that 0.09% and 0.13% voted against selected candidates for regional people’s assemblies, Reuters reports.
The state media claimed that 99.91% and 99.87% voted for the candidates in provincial and city councils, respectively. This marks the first time North Korea has referred to dissenting votes since the 1960s.
While the official narrative emphasizes a democratic process, analysts dismissed it as an attempt to portray a normal society rather than a meaningful increase in rights.
The recent regional election was the first since North Korea revised its election law to allow multiple candidates, aiming to present a more democratic image on the world stage.
