North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's ruling Workers' Party has claimed another near-unanimous victory in the country's latest parliamentary elections, securing 99.93% approval, according to state media. The results were announced by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which also reported a voter turnout of 99.99%
The vote was held to elect 687 deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), North Korea's rubber-stamp legislature. As in previous elections, voters were presented with a single candidate in each constituency and were asked to either approve or reject them.
As in past elections, voters were presented with a single, pre-approved candidate in each constituency and were asked to either endorse or reject them. Officials said only 0.07% of ballots were cast against the candidates.
KCNA said just 0.07% of ballots were cast against the candidates, a figure that quickly drew attention online, with netizens questioning who the dissenting voters might be in one of the world's most tightly controlled states.
Some hilarious reactions quickly made rounds on the internet with most calling the 0.07% 'brave' or 'dead.'
State media described the results as a demonstration of public unity and support for the existing political system, while outside observers continue to question the credibility and freedom of the electoral process.
Kim Jong Un voted at a youth-run coal mine, stressing the industry's crucial role in North Korea's economy and his five-year plan, according to state media. Kim has pledged to lead efforts to modernise the country, while continuing to govern alongside senior figures, including his influential younger sister, Kim Yo-jong.
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