North Korea to hold parliamentary elections in March

Seoul, Jan 8 – North Korea says it will elect members of its rubber-stamp parliament in March, which could provide a glimpse into any changes in the country's power elite after the execution of leader Kim Jong-un's uncle.

 

North Korea usually holds parliamentary elections every five years and the polls are largely a formality because candidates are believed to be hand-picked by the ruling Workers' Party.

 

But this year's polls will be the first since Kim took power after the death of his father Kim Jong-Il in late 2011.

 

Kim executed his uncle Jang Song Thaek on treason charges last month.

 

Analysts say Kim will use the elections to replace aging legislators with younger politicians loyal to him.

 

State media said Wednesday the elections will be on March 9.

 

Source: AP