North Korea has mobilized its citizens, declaring that it must once again showcase the power of the unity to the world, as the country prepares for the Supreme People’s Assembly elections on March 15, equivalent to South Korea’s National Assembly elections.
On Tuesday, the ruling party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, featured a front-page article titled, March 15 is the Day of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly Delegate Election, urging public participation.
The newspaper characterized this election as a crucial undertaking to reinforce the foundation of popular sovereignty and further strengthen the national and social systems. It emphasized that this election marks a significant milestone in implementing the new vision and plans presented at last month’s 9th Party Congress.
The paper further encouraged citizens to vote, asserting that only by properly structuring the highest sovereign body can they more vigorously advance the struggle for the people’s civilization and welfare.
The Supreme People’s Assembly is North Korea’s highest sovereign institution, responsible for handling the constitution and various laws. The delegate elections will proceed similarly to South Korea’s National Assembly elections, with candidates selected from regional electoral districts.
However, prevailing assessments suggest that the elections are largely symbolic, consisting of a yes-or-no vote on a single candidate nominated by the ruling party, conducted through an open voting method.
Typically, delegates to the Supreme People’s Assembly serve five-year terms. This upcoming election, however, comes seven years after the last one in 2019, indicating that the schedule was likely adjusted to align the timing of the party congress with the delegates’ terms.
Following this election, it is expected that the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, currently considered second in the North Korean hierarchy, will be replaced. Choe Ryung-hae stepped down from this position during the 9th Party Congress last month. His likely successor is Jo Yong-won, who previously served as the party’s organizational secretary.
Once the new delegate body is established, North Korea is expected to address constitutional amendments and state organization appointments at the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly.
Notably, discussions may arise regarding the constitutional enshrinement of the hostile two-state policy, further reinforcement of nuclear weapons policy, and amendments to constitutional provisions to consolidate the Kim Jong Un era.