A first in North Korea after 67 years: 'No' votes cast

According to the Yonhap news agency, a first has occurred in North Korea after 67 years.

27,858 North Korean citizens were nominated as candidates in local elections held in provinces and districts.

In the report, which stated that voter turnout was 99.63 percent, it was noted that in the system where voters cast approval or rejection votes for a designated candidate, 99.91 percent of voters cast 'yes' votes and 0.09 percent cast 'no' votes for provincial people's assembly candidates.

0.13 PERCENT 'NO'

It was also reported that for district and city people's assembly candidates, 99.87 percent of voters cast 'yes' votes, and 0.13 percent cast 'no' votes.

It was stated that this is the first time 'no' votes have been cast in the country's local elections since 1956.

An official from the South Korean Ministry of Unification, who did not disclose their name, stated, "This step appears to have been taken to show that North Korea allows people to express their opinions in elections, but this does not guarantee that people have the right to vote."