North Korea Breaks Decades-Long Silence on Dissenting Votes

The North Korean government has acknowledged votes against government-selected candidates in local elections for the first time since 1956. Just under 1% of the voting population cast a ballot against the selected candidates, according to the ruling Workers' Party. Voter turnout was reported at 99.63%. The introduction of multiple candidates in these elections is seen as a way to project a more progressive image to the outside world while maintaining internal control. However, election data reported by the ruling party is considered unreliable due to the government's total control and suppression of opposition.