Kim Jong Un Wins North Korea Election, Tiny Dissent Sparks Online Buzz

Top Summary

• What happened: Kim Jong Un's Workers' Party of Korea secured 99.97% of the vote in the 2026 parliamentary elections, winning all seats.
• Why it matters: The election underscores Kim Jong Un's continued grip on power in North Korea.
• What changes for people: The Supreme People's Assembly will continue under the firm control of the Workers' Party.
• Who is affected: All North Korean citizens, particularly the 0.07% who dared to vote against the ruling party's candidates.

Sweeping Victory for Kim's Party

Kim Jong Un's Workers' Party of Korea and its allies claimed a resounding victory in the 2026 parliamentary elections. According to state media outlet KCNA, they secured 99.97% of the vote and all seats in the Supreme People's Assembly.

The election, held on March 15, aimed to elect members to the 15th Supreme People's Assembly.

Voter Turnout and Dissent

Official figures reported a high voter turnout, with 99.99% of registered voters participating. Only a tiny fraction were unable to vote due to being abroad or working at sea (0.0037%), and a minuscule 0.00003% abstained.

While 99.93% supported the candidates, 0.07% voted against, an unusual figure in North Korean elections.

Show Election

Under DPRK election laws, 687 representatives were elected to the assembly. These included workers, farmers, intellectuals, service personnel, and officials.

With only one candidate listed per constituency, outside observers have consistently described the process as a "show election."

Unprecedented Acknowledgment

Notably, state media acknowledged the opposing votes for the first time in a Supreme People's Assembly election since 1957.

Among those elected was Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, who won in Kallimgil Constituency No. 5.

Online Reaction

The 0.07% dissenting votes sparked widespread online curiosity and humor. Social media users reacted with sarcasm.

 

"Moment of silence for the 0.07%."

 

 

"Give me the names of those 0.07%,"

 

 

"In unrelated news, population expected to decrease by 0.07% this summer."

 

 

"That 0.07% just became the most wanted people in the country,"

 

What to Watch Next

The focus will now shift to the policies enacted by the newly elected Supreme People's Assembly. International observers will be closely watching for any signs of change or further consolidation of power.