SEOUL - North Korea has made a significant amendment to its election law, allowing multiple candidates to contest for deputies in local assemblies. This move is perceived as an attempt to counteract criticism that elections in North Korea are merely formalities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the North's Cabinet newspaper, the revised law will enable the fielding of two candidates in some constituencies for the upcoming local elections on November 26. The decision takes into account various factors, including regions, jobs, and gender.
This development marks a shift in the North Korean electoral process, which has traditionally seen the ruling Workers' Party handpick a single candidate per electoral district. Although the introduction of multiple candidates represents only a basic level of competition, it is a notable change from the usual practice. However, it is reported that some precincts will still have only a single candidate.
A meeting is scheduled to review the qualifications of these multiple candidates, followed by a preliminary vote to select the final candidates for local deputies. This move by North Korea is viewed as an effort to bring a semblance of competition to its election system.