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China-Japan-Koreas
Nork parliamentary election could reveal Kimmie's successor
2009-03-09
More Kremlin-watching ...
With one candidate per seat, North Korea's parliamentary elections might appear to offer little prospect of a surprise result.

But outsiders are watching today's poll closely, in the hope that it will hint at the country's eventual succession. The youngest son of reclusive leader Kim Jong-il is rumoured to have stood - a signal that his father is grooming him, analysts said.

All registered voters cast ballots, barring those abroad or on ships, the North Korean state news agency reported tonight. Election results are expected tomorrow. In the last elections, in 2003, turnout was 99.9% and each candidate was elected unopposed with 100% of the vote.

Candidates are believed to be picked by Kim and the ruling Workers' Party, and the parliament meets a few times a year to rubber-stamp bills. But analysts pay attention because the elections are used to reshuffle the hierarchy.
Posted by:Steve White

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