A number of defectors now living in the South believe that Kim Jong Eun’s 100% approval rating at last week’s election is a feat “only
possible in a society like North Korea.”
At least half of the delegates would
have been eliminated had the election been truly democratic, the defectors assess, as most were nominated due to their powerful positions or highly
effective flattery techniques.
Similarly, they argue, the announcement of a 100% turnout can be viewed in the context of a wider strategy to show the outside world that loyalty to the leader is strong
and the regime continues to maintain its grip.
Speaking to Daily NK on the 13th, a defector who
participated in the last Supreme People’s Assembly elections reported, “Although
people registered to vote, many couldn’t make it on Election Day because they
were too busy earning a living. There were fears at the time that questions would come down from the Upper [the authorities], so
they reported a 100% turnout in our area.”
A second defector added, “During the 2009 election, around
ten people lost track of the date when they were hunting up in the mountains.
Upon their return to their village after Election Day they were dumbfounded to
learn that there had been a 100% turnout.”
Moreover, “Kim Jong Eun is well aware what would occur should
a truly democratic election take place to select the Supreme Leader. You are always being watched when casting
your vote, so you couldn’t cast a dissenting vote even if you wanted to. This is North Korean society.”
