North Korea’s elections for the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA), which were scheduled for last year, have yet to take place. Without any official explanation from authorities, speculation is growing among the public.
In response to Daily NK’s inquiry about the delayed SPA elections, a source in North Korea said recently that “half the people are whispering about it, while the other half simply don’t care.” Among those speculating, some believe the delay is due to “extensive preparations for the ruling party’s 80th anniversary this year.”
“Some people think the Central Committee is currently reviewing a complete list of current and new deputies,” the source explained. “Others suggest the elections were postponed because many deputies will likely be replaced.”
According to North Korea’s constitution, the SPA is the country’s highest governing body, responsible for legislating and institutionalizing decisions made by the Workers’ Party of Korea.
SPA deputies serve five-year terms, with the last election held in 2019. Elections for a new assembly were due in 2024, but the unexplained delay has sparked curiosity about the reasons behind it.
In the absence of an official explanation, North Koreans have developed their own theories.
“Some officials suggest that holding elections around October 10 this year could allow the new deputies and a strengthened SPA to amplify the party’s 80th anniversary celebrations,” the source noted. “To achieve this, election preparations would need to be completed by June at the latest, but given the current situation, it’s uncertain whether elections will happen this year.”
Others speculate that authorities may be quietly preparing for deputy selections despite the undisclosed schedule.
“Reports indicate that the Workers’ Party, Cabinet, courts, and military have been ordered to evaluate officials in their 50s and 60s and complete candidate selection by September’s end, likely connected to forming the new SPA,” the source said. “The new assembly is expected to emphasize generational change and competence.”
Meanwhile, North Korea appears focused on preparations for the ruling party’s 80th anniversary.
“The political calendar centers entirely on the party’s 80th anniversary preparations,” the source explained. “The anniversary events clearly take precedence over deputy elections and the SPA session.”
“Officials view this October and the year-end period before the Ninth Party Congress as a crucial turning point for the party’s history — a time for reflection and resetting party, state, military, and societal directions,” the source continued. “The central government has issued strict orders regarding propaganda activities and ideological organization, which authorities are vigorously implementing.”
April 28, 2025 at 06:00AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)