North Korea reported perfect turnout in the first national election under dictator Kim Jong Un.
The sham election allows the state to conduct an unofficial census, as well as rubber-stamp state-chosen representatives for the national parliament, reports the Wall Street Journal. Only one candidate appears on ballot papers in an election that features dance parties and music, and are intended as a celebration of patriotism.
Kim cast his vote for one of the almost 700 members of the Supreme People’s Assembly, North Korean media reported, which meets occasionally to project the illusion of support for the regime’s decisions.
[WSJ]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Who Will Be TIME's Person of the Year 2023?
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- The Dirty Secrets of Alternative Plastics
- Column: It's Time to Scrap the Abraham Accords
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- In a New Movie, Beyoncé Finds Freedom
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
