This weekend, elections will take place in North Korea with its leader Kim Jong-un standing in his constituency of Mount Paektu.

Whilst it will have many makings of a seemingly fair election, such as registration, ballot papers, seats up for contention, multiple parties and the possibility to say no, this is no normal election. All voting slips will carry only one name: the candidate put forward by the Workers Party, whilst voters are shepherded to polling stations by neighborhood committees. Those that choose to vote no have to go to a special booth and cross out their name. Given the reputation of the country, consequences surely follow those who are brave enough to choose this option.

With North Korea’s former leader Kim Jong-il winning every vote where he ran in 2009, Kim Jong-un will be hoping for a similar attainment.

According to State news agency KCNA “Election atmosphere is gaining momentum in DPRK” and in the street people have been seen saying “Let us all consolidate our revolutionary power as firm as a rock!” They added “Agitation activities are going on to encourage citizens to take active part in the election with high political enthusiasm and labour feats, amid the playing of ‘Song of the Election’,”

With turnout figures generally just short of 100 per cent, the election will serve as a symbolic spectacle of control with its result being no reflection to people’s attitudes towards the regime in place. Instead it is said, due to the need for registration at elections, it will serve as a census to check on the whereabouts of people and of possible defectors who have crossed to China.

Whilst not fooling anyone into thinking these elections will be free, international observers may take the opportunity to look at any new appointments to see if they can predict any future changes in the country.

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