Misplaced Pages

Supreme People's Assembly: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 10:54, 8 February 2018 edit114.252.253.238 (talk) deleted false claim that Kim Yong Nam is head of state← Previous edit Latest revision as of 14:18, 24 December 2024 edit undoA.A Ghatge (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,010 edits Added Standing Committee to the list of committeesTags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit 
(247 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Unicameral legislature of North Korea}}
{{Infobox legislature {{Infobox legislature
| background_color = {{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}
|name = Supreme People's Assembly
| name = Supreme People's Assembly
|native_name = {{noitalics|{{nobold|최고 인민 회의<br />最高人民會議}}}}
| native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|ko|최고인민회의}}<br />{{lang|ko|最高人民會議}}}}
|transcription_name = ''Choego Inmin Hoe-ui''
| transcription_name = {{lang|ko-latn|Ch'oego Inmin Hoeŭi}}
|legislature = 13th Supreme People's Assembly
| legislature = 14th Supreme People's Assembly
|house_type = Unicameral
|leader1_type = President of the Presidium | coa_pic = Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK.svg
| house_type = ]
|leader1 = ]
|leader2_type = Chairman of the Assembly | leader1_type = ]
|leader2 = ] | leader1 = ]
| leader2_type = ]
|leader3_type = Vice-Chairman
|leader3 = ], ] | leader2 = ]
|election1 = 5 September 1998 | election1 = 11 April 2019
| election2 = 17 January 2023
|party1 = ]
| party1 = ]
|members = 687
| party2 = ]
|last_election1 = ]
| members = 687
|voting_system1 = ] ]s
| last_election1 = ]
|structure1 = Supreme People's Assembly Korea.svg
| voting_system1 = ] for single party-nominated candidate
|structure1_res = 270px
| structure1 = Supreme People's Assembly Korea.svg
|political_groups1 =
| structure1_res = 250px
*{{Color box|#D40000|border=darkgray}} ] (607)
| political_groups1 = {{plainlist|
*{{Color box|#FF6598|border=darkgray}} ] (50)
*{{nowrap|{{Color box|#F0001C|border=darkgray}} ] (22)}} *{{Color box|{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}|border=darkgray}} ] (607)
*{{Color box|#C0C0C0|border=darkgray}} ] (5) *{{Color box|#FF6598|border=darkgray}} ] (50)
*{{Color box|#C0C0C0|border=darkgray}} ] (3) *{{nowrap|{{Color box|#F0001C|border=darkgray}} ] (22)}}
*{{Color box|#C0C0C0|border=darkgray}} ] (6)
|committees1 =
*{{Color box|#C0C0C0|border=darkgray}} ] (2)
}}
|committees1 = {{blist|Foreign Affairs Committee|Budget Committee|Legislation Committee|Deputy Credentials Committee|Standing Committee}}
|session_room = Mansudae Assembly Hall.JPG |session_room = Mansudae Assembly Hall.JPG
|session_res = |session_res =
|meeting_place = ], ] |meeting_place = ]<br />]<br />]
|website = |website =
|footnotes = |footnotes =
Line 34: Line 38:
|title = &nbsp; |title = &nbsp;
|context = north |context = north
|hangul = 최고인민회의
|hangul = {{linktext|최고}}{{linktext|인민}}{{linktext|회의}}
|hanja = {{linktext|最高}} {{linktext|人民}} {{linktext|會議}} |hanja = 最高人民會議
|rr = Choego Inmin Hoeui |rr = Choego Inmin Hoeui
|mr = Ch’oego Inmin Hoeŭi |mr = Ch'oego Inmin Hoeŭi
}} }}
{{Politics of North Korea |Government |width=22.0em}} {{Politics of North Korea |Government |width=22.0em}}


The '''Supreme People's Assembly''' ('''SPA'''; {{korean|hangul=최고인민회의|mr=Ch'oego Inmin Hoeŭi|context=north}}) is the ] of ]. It is ostensibly the ] and the only branch of government in North Korea, with all state organs subservient to it under the principle of ]. However, in practice it is a ] legislature which exists to approve decisions made by the ruling party as a formality, and which has little to no real power of its own.<ref></ref><ref></ref>
The '''Supreme People's Assembly''' (]: 최고 인민 회의) is the ] ] of the ] (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea. It consists of one deputy from each of 687 constituencies,<ref name="arch_IPUP">{{Cite web | title = DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA Choe Go In Min Hoe Ui (Supreme People's Assembly) | publisher = Inter-Parliamentary Union | date = 5 August 2014 | accessdate = 3 January 2018 | url = http://archive.ipu.org/parline/reports/2085.htm }}</ref> ] to five-year terms.<ref name=pk>{{cite web|title=DPRK Holds Election of Local and National Assemblies |work=] |url=http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/195th_issue/2003081602.htm |accessdate=2008-06-28 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6FXQ2bRBM?url=http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/195th_issue/2003081602.htm |archivedate=2013-03-31 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>


It consists of one deputy from each of North Korea's 687 constituencies,<ref name="arch_IPUP">{{Cite web | title = DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA Choe Go In Min Hoe Ui (Supreme People's Assembly) | publisher = Inter-Parliamentary Union | date = 5 August 2014 | access-date = 3 January 2018 | url = http://archive.ipu.org/parline/reports/2085.htm }}</ref> ] to five-year terms.<ref name=pk>{{cite web|title=DPRK Holds Election of Local and National Assemblies |work=] |url=http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/195th_issue/2003081602.htm |access-date=2008-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510012133/http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/195th_issue/2003081602.htm |archive-date=2012-05-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The ] recognizes the ] as the leading party of the state. The Workers' Party, led by ], governs the DPRK in a monopoly ] with the ] and the ] called the ]. Elections are held in five-year intervals, the most recent taking place in ].


The ] identifies the SPA as the "highest organ of state power" and all state positions, including the ] and in theory the ], trace their authority to it. The Assembly typically does not legislate directly but delegates that task to a smaller ]. Government officials carry out the policies legislated by the SPA subject to oversight and correction by the ]. {{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}
Although the Supreme People's Assembly is the primary ] of the DPRK, it ordinarily delegates authority to the smaller and more powerful ], chosen from among its members.


The ], which the constitution recognizes as the state's leading party, dominates the Assembly in a monopoly ] with the ] and the ] called the ]. Elections are held in five-year intervals, the most recent in ].
== History ==


== History ==
Under the 1972 Constitution, the number of seats in the Assembly was 655.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xmwOAQAAMAAJ&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Under+1972+Constitution|title=Elections since 1945: a worldwide reference compendium|last=Gorvin|first=Ian|date=1989-01-01|publisher=Longman|year=|isbn=9780582036208|location=|pages=196|language=en}}</ref> This was increased to 687 following the ].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=umZPJ7DNGDYC |title=The Far East and Australasia 2001 |last=Publications |first=Europa |last2=Staff |first2=Europa Publications |last3=32nd |first3=Ed |date=2017-04-25 |publisher=Taylor & Francis Group |year= |isbn=9781857430806 |location= |pages=597 |language=en |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426151545/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=umZPJ7DNGDYC |archivedate=2017-04-26 }}</ref>
Under the 1972 Constitution, the number of seats in the Assembly was 655.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xmwOAQAAMAAJ&q=Under+1972+Constitution|title=Elections since 1945: a worldwide reference compendium|last=Gorvin|first=Ian|date=1989-01-01|publisher=Longman|isbn=9780582036208|pages=196|language=en}}</ref> This was increased to 687 following the ].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=umZPJ7DNGDYC |title=The Far East and Australasia 2001 |last1=Publications |first1=Europa |last2=Staff |first2=Europa Publications |last3=32nd |first3=Ed |date=2017-04-25 |publisher=Taylor & Francis Group |isbn=9781857430806 |pages=597 |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426151545/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=umZPJ7DNGDYC |archive-date=2017-04-26 }}</ref>


In 1990, the composition of the SPA was 601 seats held by the Workers' Party of Korea, 51 seats held by the ], 22 seats held by the ] and 13 seats held by ].<ref>Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments</ref> In 1990, the composition of the SPA was 601 seats held by the Workers' Party of Korea, 51 seats held by the ], 22 seats held by the ] and 13 seats held by ].<ref>Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments</ref>


The last convention during ]'s government took place in April 1994, three months before ]. Then during the mourning period the assembly did not meet, nor did elections take place. The next meeting convened in September 1998, four years after Kim's death.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326124342/http://articles.cnn.com/1998-08-20/world/9808_20_n.korea.01_1_kims-parliament-state-president?_s=PM%3AWORLD |date=March 26, 2012 }}</ref> The last convention during ]'s government took place in April 1994, three months before ]. Then during the mourning period the assembly did not meet, nor did elections take place. The next meeting convened in September 1998, four years after Kim's death.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326124342/http://articles.cnn.com/1998-08-20/world/9808_20_n.korea.01_1_kims-parliament-state-president?_s=PM%3AWORLD |date=March 26, 2012 }}</ref>


] did not make a speech at the first session of the 10th SPA in 1998. Instead, members listened to a tape-recorded speech of the late Kim Il Sung, which was made at the first session of the 9th SPA, in 1991. The enhanced status of the ] was anticipated by the SPA election July 1998, when 101 military officials were elected out of 687 delegates. This was a large increase from the 57 military officials elected during the 9th SPA in 1990. ] did not make a speech at the first session of the ] in 1998. Instead, members listened to a tape-recorded speech of the late Kim Il Sung, which was made at the first session of the 9th SPA, in 1991. The enhanced status of the ] was anticipated by the SPA election July 1998, when 101 military officials were elected out of 687 delegates. This was a large increase from the 57 military officials elected during the 9th SPA in 1990.


] has been president of the Assembly Presidum since 1998. ], ] and ] are the Vice-Chairmen.<ref name='KoreaHerald2007-10-04'>{{cite news|first=Jin |last=Dae-woong |coauthors= |title=Who's who in North Korea's power elite |date=2007-10-04 |publisher= |url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr:8080/servlet/cms.article.view?tpl=print&sname=National&img=/img/pic/ico_nat_pic.gif&id=200710040041 |work=] |pages= |accessdate=2007-10-05 |language= }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=Al83tito |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ] served as ] from 1998 until 2019.<ref name='KoreaHerald2007-10-04'>{{cite news|first=Jin |last=Dae-woong |title=Who's who in North Korea's power elite |date=2007-10-04 |url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr:8080/servlet/cms.article.view?tpl=print&sname=National&img=/img/pic/ico_nat_pic.gif&id=200710040041 |work=] |access-date=2007-10-05 }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=Al83tito |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=1stSession14thSPA>{{Cite web |title=In full: promotions and demotions at North Korea's 14th SPA |publisher=Korea Risk Group |work=NK PRO |date=12 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2019 |url= https://www.nknews.org/pro/in-full-promotions-and-demotions-at-north-koreas-14th-spa/ }}</ref> ] is the ] (Speaker), while Pak Chol-min and Pak Kum-hui are the vice-chairmen.<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>


On April 14, 2012, during the fifth session of the 12th Supreme People's Assembly Kim Jong Un was elected as the country's supreme leader. Addressing the SPA session, Kim Yong Nam, president of the SPA Presidium, said Kim's accession to the DPRK's top post reflected "the ardent desire and unanimous will of all the party members, servicepersons and other people".<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418042145/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/14/c_131526409.htm |date=2012-04-18 }}</ref> His status as leader was reaffirmed when he was elected unopposed on March 9, 2014. Kim had nominated to represent his district, the symbolic Mount Paekduto, in the assembly election. Voters could vote ''yes'' or ''no'' with all voting in the affirmative, according to government officials. On April 14, 2012, during the fifth session of the 12th Supreme People's Assembly ] was elected as the country's supreme leader. Addressing the SPA session, Kim Yong-nam, chairman of the SPA Presidium, said Kim's accession to North Korea's top post reflected "the ardent desire and unanimous will of all the party members, servicepersons and other people".<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418042145/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/14/c_131526409.htm |date=2012-04-18 }}</ref> His status as leader was reaffirmed when he was elected unopposed on March 9, 2014. Kim was nominated to represent his district, the symbolic ], in the assembly election. Voters could vote ''yes'' or ''no'', with all voting in the affirmative, according to government officials.


In 2017, the assembly created a subordinate Diplomatic Commission. This may be useful for international dialogue with other parliaments, while other diplomatic channels are blocked.<ref name=38north-20170428>{{cite news|url=http://38north.org/2017/04/rfrank042817/ |title=The North Korean Parliamentary Session and Budget Report for 2017 |first=Ruediger |last=Frank |publisher=U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies |work=38 North |date=28 April 2017 |accessdate=1 May 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428220943/http://38north.org/2017/04/rfrank042817/ |archivedate=28 April 2017 }}</ref> In 2017, the assembly created a subordinate Diplomatic Commission, which had use in terms of dialogue with international parliaments.<ref name=38north-20170428>{{cite news|url=http://38north.org/2017/04/rfrank042817/ |title=The North Korean Parliamentary Session and Budget Report for 2017 |first=Ruediger |last=Frank |publisher=U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies |work=] |date=28 April 2017 |access-date=1 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428220943/http://38north.org/2017/04/rfrank042817/ |archive-date=28 April 2017 }}</ref> On 11 April 2019, ] was appointed chairman of the Presidium.<ref>{{cite web|title=N.K. leader re-elected as chairman of State Affairs Commission|date=12 April 2019|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190412001351325|publisher=]|access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref>

===Tenures===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Term
! Deputies
! Start
! End
! Duration
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 572
| align="center" | 2 September 1948
| align="center" | 18 September 1957
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1948|9|2|1957|9|18|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 215
| align="center" | 18 September 1957
| align="center" | 22 October 1962
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1957|9|18|1962|10|22|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 383
| align="center" | 22 October 1962
| align="center" | 14 December 1967
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1962|10|22|1967|12|14|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 457
| align="center" | 14 December 1967
| align="center" | 12 December 1972
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1967|12|14|1972|12|12|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 541
| align="center" | 12 December 1972
| align="center" | 15 December 1977
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1972|12|12|1977|12|15|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | 6th
| align="center" | 579
| align="center" | 15 December 1977
| align="center" | 5 April 1982
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1977|12|15|1982|4|5|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 615
| align="center" | 5 April 1982
| align="center" | 29 December 1986
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1982|4|5|1986|12|29|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | 8th
| align="center" | 655
| align="center" | 29 December 1986
| align="center" | 24 May 1990
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1986|12|29|1990|5|24|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 687
| align="center" | 24 May 1990
| align="center" | 5 September 1998
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1990|5|24|1998|9|5|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 687
| align="center" | 5 September 1998
| align="center" | 3 September 2003
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|1998|9|5|2003|9|3|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 687
| align="center" | 3 September 2003
| align="center" | 9 April 2009
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|2003|9|3|2009|4|9|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 687
| align="center" | 9 April 2009
| align="center" | 9 April 2014
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|2009|4|9|2014|4|9|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 687
| align="center" | 9 April 2014
| align="center" | 11 April 2019
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|2014|4|9|2019|4|11|df=y}}
|-
| align="center" | ]
| align="center" | 687
| align="center" | 11 April 2019
| align="center" | Incumbent
| align="center" | {{age in years and days|2019|4|11|df=y}}
|-
! colspan="8" unsortable | '''References:'''<br /><ref name=" SPA tenures ">{{cite web | url = http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/050th_issue/98070802.htm | title = Chronology of Supreme People's Assembly | author = ] | date = 1998 | access-date = 25 February 2021 | work = ] | via= | archive-date = 14 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120214181441/http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/050th_issue/98070802.htm }}</ref>
|}


== Elections and membership == == Elections and membership ==
{{main article|Elections in North Korea}} {{Further|Elections in North Korea|2019 North Korean parliamentary election}}


Under the ], all ] 17 and older, regardless of ] affiliation, political views, or religion, are eligible to be elected to the legislature and vote in elections. Under the ], all ] 20 and older, regardless of ] affiliation, political views, or religion, are eligible to be elected to the legislature and vote in elections.


All candidates are selected by the ] in mass meetings held to decide which candidates will be nominated and their names can only go on the ballot paper with the approval of the meeting. The Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland is a ] dominated by the Korean Worker's Party, in which almost all power rests. The other participants in the coalition include the two other ''de facto'' legal political parties, the ] and the ], as well as various other member organizations including social groups and youth groups, such as the Korean section of the ], the ], the ], and the ]. All candidates are selected by the ] in mass meetings held to decide which candidates will be nominated and their names can only go on the ballot paper with the approval of the meeting. The Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea is a ] dominated by the Korean Workers' Party, in which almost all power rests. The other participants in the coalition include the two other ''de facto'' legal political parties, the ] and the ], as well as various other member organizations including social groups and youth groups, such as the ], the ], the ], and the ].


Elections are ostensibly by ]. However, only one candidate who has been selected by the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland appears on the ballot. A voter may cross off the candidate's name to vote against them.<ref name="votes">{{cite news|title=North Korea votes for new rubber-stamp parliament|date={{date|March 8, 2009}}|publisher=]}}</ref> However, anyone voting against the Front's candidate must do so without any secrecy. In most polling stations the voter must do so with a red pen next to the ballot box in sight of electoral officials. At some polling stations there is a separate ballot box for 'no' votes.<ref>http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/local-elections-north-korea-bring-change-150718180133222.html</ref> Many ]s claim such an act of defiance is too risky to attempt.<ref name="votes"/> Only one candidate who has been selected by the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea appears on the ballot. A voter may cross off the candidate's name to vote against them, but must do so in a special booth without any secrecy.<ref name="votes">{{cite news |title=North Korea votes for new rubber-stamp parliament |date=8 March 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> The voter must then drop their ballot into a separate box for "no" votes. Voting against a Democratic Front candidate is considered treasonous; those who do face the loss of their jobs and housing, along with extra surveillance. Refusing to vote at all is also considered a treasonous act.<ref>{{cite news |last=Milisic |first=Alma |title=Foregone result in North Korea's local elections |publisher=] |url= http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/local-elections-north-korea-bring-change-150718180133222.html |date=19 July 2015}}</ref>


== Functions == == Functions ==


According to the Constitution of North Korea, it is the highest organ of state power in the country. The Assembly is convened once or twice a year in regular sessions of several days each. At all other times, the Presidium acts for the Assembly. Extraordinary sessions of the Assembly can also meet when called by the Presidium or by one third of the Assembly deputies. The Assembly is convened once or twice a year in regular plenary sessions of several days each. At all other times, the Standing Committee acts for the Assembly. Extraordinary sessions of the Assembly can also meet when called by the Standing Committee or by one third of the Assembly deputies.


The functions of the SPA are:<ref name=euro>Europa Publications Staff. (2002). ''The Far East and Australasia 2003.'' Routledge. pp. 680. {{ISBN|978-1-85743-133-9}}</ref> The functions of the SPA are:<ref name=euro>Europa Publications Staff. (2002). ''The Far East and Australasia 2003.'' Routledge. pp. 680. {{ISBN|978-1-85743-133-9}}</ref>


*Adopting, amending or supplementing enactments to the constitution *Adopting, amending or supplementing enactments to the constitution;
*enact, amend and supplement statutory legislation,
*Determining State policy and budgets<ref name=38north-20160408>{{cite news|url=http://38north.org/2016/04/rfrank040816/ |title=The 2016 North Korean Budget Report: 12 Observations |first=Ruediger |last=Frank |publisher=U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies |work=38 North |date=8 April 2016 |accessdate=1 May 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504043145/http://38north.org/2016/04/rfrank040816/ |archivedate=4 May 2017 }}</ref>
*approve major statutory laws adopted by the SPA Standing Committee while the SPA is in recess
*Elections of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members of the ]
*establish the basic principles of the state's domestic and foreign policies
*Election of the President and other members of the Presidium
*Determining State policy and budgets;<ref name=38north-20160408>{{cite news|url=http://38north.org/2016/04/rfrank040816/ |title=The 2016 North Korean Budget Report: 12 Observations |first=Ruediger |last=Frank |publisher=U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies |work=] |date=8 April 2016 |access-date=1 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504043145/http://38north.org/2016/04/rfrank040816/ |archive-date=4 May 2017 }}</ref>
*Elections of legal officials
*Appointing the Premier, Deputy Premiers and other members of the Cabinet *Elections of the President, vice-presidents and members of the ];
*Elections of the chairman, vice chairman and other members of the Standing Committee;
*Elections of legal officials;
*Appointing the ], Deputy Premiers and other members of the Cabinet
*Receiving reports and adopting measures on the Cabinet *Receiving reports and adopting measures on the Cabinet
*Elect or recall the chief justice of the Central Court
*Elect or recall the prosecutor general of the Central General Prosecutor's Office


Constitutional amendments require the approval of two-thirds of the deputies.<ref name=euro/> Constitutional amendments require the approval of two-thirds of the deputies.<ref name=euro/>


While the Supreme People's Assembly is vested with great powers on paper, in practice the principles of ] leave it with little real power. Like most Communist legislatures, it does little more than ratify decisions already made by Kim and the top leadership of the WPK.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}
== Presidium ==


==Standing Committee==
The ] exercises legislative power when the SPA is in recess, which occurs during all but a few days of every year. For all intents and purposes, it is the highest organ of state power in North Korea.<ref name='KoreaHerald2007-10-04'/>
The ] exercises legislative power when the SPA is in recess, which occurs during all but a few days of every year. For all intents and purposes, it is the highest organ of state power in North Korea.<ref name='KoreaHerald2007-10-04'/>


The Standing Committee consists of the ], vice-chairmen, a secretary-general and other members, elected by the SPA.<ref name=unikorea>{{Cite web|title=Organizational Chart of North Korean Leadership|location=Seoul|publisher=Political and Military Analysis Division, Intelligence and Analysis Bureau; Ministry of Unification |date=January 2018|access-date=17 October 2018|url=https://www.unikorea.go.kr/cms/getFile.do?file=2018012913454378143.pdf&orgname=north_korean_Leadership.pdf&mgmtId=MGMT_0000000754&siteId=SITE_00003&filePath=eng_unikorea/common/file/&count=Y#.pdf}}</ref> The secretary-general, a largely symbolic role,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kim Jong Un's Pyongyang Shuffle |last=Madden |first=Michael |work=] |date=5 April 2013 |access-date=16 October 2018 |url= https://www.38north.org/2013/04/mmadden040513/ }}</ref> is currently ].<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/> The functions of the Standing Committee are to:
The Presidium consists of the President, Vice-Presidents, secretaries and other members. The functions of the Presidium are to:<ref name=euro/>


*Convene sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly *Convene sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly;<ref name=euro/>
*Examine and approve new state legislation when the SPA is in recess *Examine and approve new state legislation when the SPA is in recess;<ref name=euro/>
*Supervise the {{ill|Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea|ko|조선민주주의인민공화국 최고검찰소|lt=Supreme Prosecutor's Office}} when the SPA is not in session;{{sfn|Cha|Hwang|2008|p=201}}
*Interpret and enact the Constitution and legislation
*Supervise the ] when the SPA is in recess;{{sfn|Minnich|2008|p=276}}
*Form or dissolve state ministries
*Interpret and enact the Constitution and most legislation passed, with the President of the State Affairs Commission (SAC) now having the power to enact important laws presented for legislation;<ref name=euro/>
*Supervise laws of State organs
*Form or dissolve state ministries;<ref name=euro/>
*Organize elections to the Supreme People's Assembly
*Supervise laws of State organs;<ref name=euro/>
*Ratify treaties with foreign countries
*Supervise parliamentary committees;<ref name=unikorea/>
*Appoint, transfer, or remove officials and judges when the SPA is not in session
*Organize elections to the Supreme People's Assembly;<ref name=euro/>
*Grant special pardons or amnesties
*Ratify treaties with foreign countries;<ref name=euro/>
*Appoint, transfer, or remove officials and judges when the SPA is in recess;<ref name=euro/>
*Grant special pardons or amnesties.<ref name=euro/>


In addition to its executive functions, the Presidium also receives ] from foreign countries.<ref name=euro/> In addition to its executive functions, the Standing Committee also receives ] from foreign countries with the consent of the President of the SAC.<ref name=euro/>


In 1998, a constitutional amendment abolished the posts of the ], ], and Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly and gave their powers to a new body titled the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.{{sfn|Cha|Hwang|2008|p=196}} Of these organs, the Presidium was seen as the successor of the Standing Committee.{{sfn|Cha|Hwang|2008|p=198}} In 2021, the Presidium reverted its name back to Standing Committee, though the powers provided by the original constitutional amendment used to abolish the previous Standing Committee remain unaltered. Thus, the Standing Committee formed in 2021 currently serves as a continuation of the Presidium rather than a re-creation of the Standing Committee that had existed before 1998.<ref>{{cite constitution |article=117 |clause= |section=4 |polity=the Democratic People's Republic of Korea|date=2021}}</ref>
=== President ===


{| class="wikitable"
According to the 1998 Constitution, the Presidium and the President of the Presidium succeed the Assembly's Standing Committee and the Chairman of the Standing Committee. Prior to the creation of the post of President of the DPRK in 1972, the Chairman of the Standing Committee was the country's ''de jure'' head of state. Currently, the Chairman of the Assembly is the SPA speaker while the President of the Presidium is the nominal head of state.
|+Standing Committee Members
|-
! Position
! Name
! {{Abbr|Ref|Reference}}
|-
|]
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Vice Chairman
|''Vacant''
|
|-
|Vice Chairman
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Secretary General
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
|Member
|]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|}


===Chairman===
] is the current President of the Presidium and as such, ''de jure'' head of state of North Korea.<ref name='KoreaHerald2007-10-04'/>
{{Main|Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly}}
Prior to the creation of the post of ] in 1972, the Chairman of the Standing Committee was the country's ''de jure'' head of state.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} Currently, the ] is the SPA speaker,<ref name=Leadership>{{Cite web |title=6th Session of the 13th SPA Held |work=North Korea Leadership Watch |date=14 April 2018 |access-date=16 October 2018 |url= http://www.nkleadershipwatch.org/2018/04/14/6th-session-of-the-13th-spa-held/ }}</ref> while the Chairman of the Standing Committee performs certain representative functions ordinarily accorded to a head of state.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} As the representative of the state in external matters and the head of the highest sovereign organ, the Chairman of the Standing Committee is often considered the ''de facto'' head of state of North Korea, though officially this role is reserved for the ]. The chairman also convenes sessions of the SPA.{{sfn|Cha|Hwang|2008|p=198}}


The chairman, like the rest of the Standing Committee, is elected by the SPA, which can also remove the chairman. ] assumed the office of Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly in 2019 before the office was given the current name in 2021.<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
== See also ==

==Committees==
In addition to the Standing Committee, the SPA has four ]: the Foreign Affairs Committee, Budget Committee, Legislation Committee,<ref name="1stSession14thSPA"/> and Deputy Credentials Committee.<ref name="DeputyCredentials"/> The constitution mandates the Legislation and Budget Committees and leaves the choice of having more committees to the SPA.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea |at=Chapter VI, Section 1, Article 98 |date=2016 |url=http://www.naenara.com.kp/en/politics/?rule+8 |access-date=25 October 2018 |archive-date=25 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071311/http://www.naenara.com.kp/en/politics/?rule+8 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Before 1998, there was an additional committee called the Reunification-policy Deliberation Committee.{{sfn|Cha|Hwang|2008|p=198}} The Foreign Affairs Committee, too, was discontinued in 1998,{{sfn|Cha|Hwang|2008|p=198}} but {{as of|2019|lc=yes}} is operating again.<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>

===Foreign Affairs Committee===
The Foreign Affairs Committee is chaired by ]. The other members are ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>

===Budget Committee===
The Budget Committee is chaired by ]. The other members are ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>

===Legislation Committee===
The Legislation Committee is chaired by ]. The other members are ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>

===Deputy Credentials Committee===
The Deputy Credentials Committee is chaired by ].<ref name=DeputyCredentials>{{Cite web |title=First-day Meeting of First Session of 14th SPA Held |work=KCNA Watch |date=12 April 2019 |access-date=18 April 2019 |url= https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1555063313-541651411/first-day-meeting-of-first-session-of-14th-spa-held/ }}</ref>

==List of office holders==
{{Further|Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly|Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:70%; border:1px #AAAAFF solid"
! colspan="8" | '''Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea'''
|- style="background:#cccccc"
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|Chairman
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|Political party
! align="center" width="0" |Term Start
!Term End
!align="center" width="0"|Election
!align="center" width="0"|{{Abbr|Ref|References}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
| rowspan="2" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">김두봉</span><br>1889&ndash;1958<br>
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |9 September 1948
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |20 September 1957
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
| rowspan="2" |
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
|-
| rowspan="4" |]
| rowspan="4" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">최용건</span><br>1900&ndash;1976<br>
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Korean Social Democratic Party}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |20 September 1957
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |23 October 1962
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
| rowspan="4" |
|-
| rowspan="3" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="3" |]
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |23 October 1962
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |16 December 1967
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |16 December 1967
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |28 December 1972
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
| rowspan="3" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">황장엽</span><br>1923&ndash;2010<br>
| rowspan="3" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="3" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |28 December 1972
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |16 December 1977
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
| rowspan="3" |
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |16 December 1977
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |6 April 1982
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |6 April 1982
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |7 April 1983
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="3" |
| rowspan="3" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">양형섭</span><br>(1925–2022)<br>
| rowspan="3" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="3" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |7 April 1983
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |29 December 1986
| rowspan="3" |
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |29 December 1986
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |24 May 1990
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |24 May 1990
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |5 September 1998
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
! colspan="8" | '''Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea'''
|- style="background:#cccccc"
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|President
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|Political party
! align="center" width="0" |Term Start
!Term End
!align="center" width="0"|Election
!align="center" width="0"|{{Abbr|Ref|References}}
|-
| rowspan="4" |]
| rowspan="4" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">김영남</span><br>(born 1928)<br>]
| rowspan="4" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="4" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |5 September 1998
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |3 September 2003
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
| rowspan="4" |
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |3 September 2003
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |9 April 2009
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |9 April 2009
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |9 April 2014
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |9 April 2014
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |11 April 2019
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|-
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">최룡해</span><br>(born 1950)
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |11 April 2019
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |Incumbent
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|<ref name=1stSession14thSPA/>
|-
! colspan="8" | '''Chairman of the Assembly of Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea'''
|- style="background:#cccccc"
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|Chairman
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|Political party
! align="center" width="0" |Term Start
!Term End
!align="center" width="0"|Election
!align="center" width="0"|{{Abbr|Ref|References}}
|-
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">허헌(許憲)</span><br>(1885–1951)
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |September 1948
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |1951
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|
|-
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">백남운</span><br>(1894–1979)
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |25 November 1957
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |1972
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|
|-
| rowspan="1" |
| rowspan="1" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">한덕수</span><br>(1907–2001)
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |1972
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |1986
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]
|
|-
! colspan="8" | '''Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea'''
|- style="background:#cccccc"
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|Chairman
!colspan=2 align="center" width="0"|Political party
! align="center" width="0" |Term Start
!Term End
!align="center" width="0"|Election
!align="center" width="0"|{{Abbr|Ref|References}}
|-
| rowspan="1" |
| rowspan="1" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br><span style="font-size:100%;">최태복</span><br>(1930–2024)
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |5 September 1998
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |11 April 2019
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>
|
|-
| rowspan="1" | ]
| rowspan="1" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br>박태성<br>(born 1955)
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="2" |]
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |11 April 2019
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" |17 January 2023
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EEEEEE" |]
|
|-
|
| rowspan="1" |'''<big>]</big>'''<br>박인철
| rowspan="1" style="background:{{party color|Workers' Party of Korea}}" height="99" |
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" | 17 January 2023<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=19 January 2023 |title=8th Session of 14th SPA of DPRK Held |url=https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1674081309-100962737/8th-session-of-14th-spa-of-dprk-held/ |website=KCNA Watch}}</ref>
| rowspan="1" style="background:#EEEEEE" | Incumbent
|
|}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
{{reflist|group=note}}

==See also==
{{Portal|North Korea|Politics}} {{Portal|North Korea|Politics}}
*], delegate to the Supreme People’s Assembly.
*] *]
*] *]
*], the ]n legislature *], the South Korean legislature


== References == == References ==
=== Citations ===
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}

=== Works cited ===
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book|title=North Korea: A Country Study|editor-last=Worden|editor-first=Robert L.|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/northkoreacountr0000unse/page/187|edition=5th|year=2008|location=Washington|publisher=Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress|isbn=978-0-8444-1188-0|last1=Cha|first1=Victor D.|last2=Hwang|first2=Balbina Y.|chapter=Government and Politics|pages=}}
*{{cite book|title=North Korea: A Country Study|editor-last=Worden|editor-first=Robert L.|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/northkoreacountr0000unse/page/237|edition=5th|year=2008|location=Washington|publisher=Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress|isbn=978-0-8444-1188-0|chapter-format=PDF|chapter=National Security|last=Minnich|first=James M.|pages=}}
{{Refend}}


== External links == ==External links==
{{commons category|Supreme People's Assembly}} {{Commons category}}
* at the ]
*, CIA World Factbook
*, CIA World Factbook
*, ''Reuters''. *, ''Reuters''.
* {{Dead link|date=May 2009}}


{{North Korean elections}} {{North Korean elections}}

Latest revision as of 14:18, 24 December 2024

Unicameral legislature of North Korea
Supreme People's Assembly
최고인민회의
最高人民會議
Ch'oego Inmin Hoeŭi
14th Supreme People's Assembly
Coat of arms or logo
Type
TypeUnicameral
Leadership
Chairman of the Standing CommitteeChoe Ryong-hae, WPK
since 11 April 2019
ChairmanPak In-chol, WPK
since 17 January 2023
Structure
Seats687
Political groups
Committees
  • Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Budget Committee
  • Legislation Committee
  • Deputy Credentials Committee
  • Standing Committee
Elections
Voting systemApproval voting for single party-nominated candidate
Last election10 March 2019
Meeting place
Mansudae Assembly Hall
Pyongyang
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
 
Chosŏn'gŭl최고인민회의
Hancha最高人民會議
Revised RomanizationChoego Inmin Hoeui
McCune–ReischauerCh'oego Inmin Hoeŭi
Politics of North Korea
Constitution
Workers' Party of Korea Congress (8th)
Supreme People's Assembly 14th term
State Affairs Commission 14th term

Organizations

Cabinet 14th term

Cabinet Ministries

Elections
Administrative divisions
Foreign relations


Related topics
flag North Korea portal

The Supreme People's Assembly (SPA; Korean: 최고인민회의; MRCh'oego Inmin Hoeŭi) is the legislature of North Korea. It is ostensibly the highest organ of state power and the only branch of government in North Korea, with all state organs subservient to it under the principle of unified power. However, in practice it is a rubber stamp legislature which exists to approve decisions made by the ruling party as a formality, and which has little to no real power of its own.

It consists of one deputy from each of North Korea's 687 constituencies, elected to five-year terms.

The constitution identifies the SPA as the "highest organ of state power" and all state positions, including the President of the State Affairs and in theory the Premier of the Cabinet, trace their authority to it. The Assembly typically does not legislate directly but delegates that task to a smaller Standing Committee. Government officials carry out the policies legislated by the SPA subject to oversight and correction by the Workers' Party of Korea.

The Workers' Party of Korea, which the constitution recognizes as the state's leading party, dominates the Assembly in a monopoly coalition with the Social Democratic Party and the Chondoist Chongu Party called the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea. Elections are held in five-year intervals, the most recent in 2019.

History

Under the 1972 Constitution, the number of seats in the Assembly was 655. This was increased to 687 following the 1986 election.

In 1990, the composition of the SPA was 601 seats held by the Workers' Party of Korea, 51 seats held by the Korean Social Democratic Party, 22 seats held by the Chondoist Chongu Party and 13 seats held by independents.

The last convention during Kim Il Sung's government took place in April 1994, three months before his death. Then during the mourning period the assembly did not meet, nor did elections take place. The next meeting convened in September 1998, four years after Kim's death.

Kim Jong Il did not make a speech at the first session of the 10th SPA in 1998. Instead, members listened to a tape-recorded speech of the late Kim Il Sung, which was made at the first session of the 9th SPA, in 1991. The enhanced status of the Korean People's Army was anticipated by the SPA election July 1998, when 101 military officials were elected out of 687 delegates. This was a large increase from the 57 military officials elected during the 9th SPA in 1990.

Kim Yong-nam served as chairman of the Assembly Presidum from 1998 until 2019. Pak Thae-song is the Chairman (Speaker), while Pak Chol-min and Pak Kum-hui are the vice-chairmen.

On April 14, 2012, during the fifth session of the 12th Supreme People's Assembly Kim Jong Un was elected as the country's supreme leader. Addressing the SPA session, Kim Yong-nam, chairman of the SPA Presidium, said Kim's accession to North Korea's top post reflected "the ardent desire and unanimous will of all the party members, servicepersons and other people". His status as leader was reaffirmed when he was elected unopposed on March 9, 2014. Kim was nominated to represent his district, the symbolic Mount Paektu, in the assembly election. Voters could vote yes or no, with all voting in the affirmative, according to government officials.

In 2017, the assembly created a subordinate Diplomatic Commission, which had use in terms of dialogue with international parliaments. On 11 April 2019, Choe Ryong-hae was appointed chairman of the Presidium.

Tenures

Term Deputies Start End Duration
1st 572 2 September 1948 18 September 1957 9 years, 16 days
2nd 215 18 September 1957 22 October 1962 5 years, 34 days
3rd 383 22 October 1962 14 December 1967 5 years, 53 days
4th 457 14 December 1967 12 December 1972 4 years, 364 days
5th 541 12 December 1972 15 December 1977 5 years, 3 days
6th 579 15 December 1977 5 April 1982 4 years, 111 days
7th 615 5 April 1982 29 December 1986 4 years, 268 days
8th 655 29 December 1986 24 May 1990 3 years, 146 days
9th 687 24 May 1990 5 September 1998 8 years, 104 days
10th 687 5 September 1998 3 September 2003 4 years, 363 days
11th 687 3 September 2003 9 April 2009 5 years, 218 days
12th 687 9 April 2009 9 April 2014 5 years, 0 days
13th 687 9 April 2014 11 April 2019 5 years, 2 days
14th 687 11 April 2019 Incumbent 5 years, 265 days
References:

Elections and membership

Further information: Elections in North Korea and 2019 North Korean parliamentary election

Under the Constitution of North Korea, all citizens 20 and older, regardless of party affiliation, political views, or religion, are eligible to be elected to the legislature and vote in elections.

All candidates are selected by the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea in mass meetings held to decide which candidates will be nominated and their names can only go on the ballot paper with the approval of the meeting. The Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea is a popular front dominated by the Korean Workers' Party, in which almost all power rests. The other participants in the coalition include the two other de facto legal political parties, the Korean Social Democratic Party and the Chondoist Chongu Party, as well as various other member organizations including social groups and youth groups, such as the Korean Children's Union, the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, the Korean Democratic Women's League, and the Red Cross Society of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Only one candidate who has been selected by the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea appears on the ballot. A voter may cross off the candidate's name to vote against them, but must do so in a special booth without any secrecy. The voter must then drop their ballot into a separate box for "no" votes. Voting against a Democratic Front candidate is considered treasonous; those who do face the loss of their jobs and housing, along with extra surveillance. Refusing to vote at all is also considered a treasonous act.

Functions

The Assembly is convened once or twice a year in regular plenary sessions of several days each. At all other times, the Standing Committee acts for the Assembly. Extraordinary sessions of the Assembly can also meet when called by the Standing Committee or by one third of the Assembly deputies.

The functions of the SPA are:

  • Adopting, amending or supplementing enactments to the constitution;
  • enact, amend and supplement statutory legislation,
  • approve major statutory laws adopted by the SPA Standing Committee while the SPA is in recess
  • establish the basic principles of the state's domestic and foreign policies
  • Determining State policy and budgets;
  • Elections of the President, vice-presidents and members of the State Affairs Commission;
  • Elections of the chairman, vice chairman and other members of the Standing Committee;
  • Elections of legal officials;
  • Appointing the Premier, Deputy Premiers and other members of the Cabinet
  • Receiving reports and adopting measures on the Cabinet
  • Elect or recall the chief justice of the Central Court
  • Elect or recall the prosecutor general of the Central General Prosecutor's Office

Constitutional amendments require the approval of two-thirds of the deputies.

While the Supreme People's Assembly is vested with great powers on paper, in practice the principles of democratic centralism leave it with little real power. Like most Communist legislatures, it does little more than ratify decisions already made by Kim and the top leadership of the WPK.

Standing Committee

The Standing Committee exercises legislative power when the SPA is in recess, which occurs during all but a few days of every year. For all intents and purposes, it is the highest organ of state power in North Korea.

The Standing Committee consists of the Chairman, vice-chairmen, a secretary-general and other members, elected by the SPA. The secretary-general, a largely symbolic role, is currently Jong Yong-guk. The functions of the Standing Committee are to:

  • Convene sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly;
  • Examine and approve new state legislation when the SPA is in recess;
  • Supervise the Supreme Prosecutor's Office [ko] when the SPA is not in session;
  • Supervise the Central Court when the SPA is in recess;
  • Interpret and enact the Constitution and most legislation passed, with the President of the State Affairs Commission (SAC) now having the power to enact important laws presented for legislation;
  • Form or dissolve state ministries;
  • Supervise laws of State organs;
  • Supervise parliamentary committees;
  • Organize elections to the Supreme People's Assembly;
  • Ratify treaties with foreign countries;
  • Appoint, transfer, or remove officials and judges when the SPA is in recess;
  • Grant special pardons or amnesties.

In addition to its executive functions, the Standing Committee also receives credentials of diplomatic representatives from foreign countries with the consent of the President of the SAC.

In 1998, a constitutional amendment abolished the posts of the President of North Korea, Central People's Committee, and Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly and gave their powers to a new body titled the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. Of these organs, the Presidium was seen as the successor of the Standing Committee. In 2021, the Presidium reverted its name back to Standing Committee, though the powers provided by the original constitutional amendment used to abolish the previous Standing Committee remain unaltered. Thus, the Standing Committee formed in 2021 currently serves as a continuation of the Presidium rather than a re-creation of the Standing Committee that had existed before 1998.

Standing Committee Members
Position Name Ref
Chairman Choe Ryong-hae
Vice Chairman Vacant
Vice Chairman Thae Hyong-chol
Secretary General Jong Yong-guk
Member Kim Yong-chol
Member Ju Yong-gil
Member Kim Chang-yop
Member Chang Chun-sil
Member Kang Myong-chol
Member Kang Su-rin
Member Pak Myong-chol
Member Kim Nung-o
Member Kang Ji-yong
Member Ri Myong-gil
Member Ri Chol

Chairman

Main article: Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly

Prior to the creation of the post of President of North Korea in 1972, the Chairman of the Standing Committee was the country's de jure head of state. Currently, the Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly is the SPA speaker, while the Chairman of the Standing Committee performs certain representative functions ordinarily accorded to a head of state. As the representative of the state in external matters and the head of the highest sovereign organ, the Chairman of the Standing Committee is often considered the de facto head of state of North Korea, though officially this role is reserved for the President of the State Affairs Commission. The chairman also convenes sessions of the SPA.

The chairman, like the rest of the Standing Committee, is elected by the SPA, which can also remove the chairman. Choe Ryong-hae assumed the office of Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly in 2019 before the office was given the current name in 2021.

Committees

In addition to the Standing Committee, the SPA has four parliamentary committees: the Foreign Affairs Committee, Budget Committee, Legislation Committee, and Deputy Credentials Committee. The constitution mandates the Legislation and Budget Committees and leaves the choice of having more committees to the SPA. Before 1998, there was an additional committee called the Reunification-policy Deliberation Committee. The Foreign Affairs Committee, too, was discontinued in 1998, but as of 2019 is operating again.

Foreign Affairs Committee

The Foreign Affairs Committee is chaired by Kim Hyong-jun. The other members are Ro Ryong-nam, Ri Son-gwon, Kim Jong-suk, Kim Tong-son, Choe Son-hui, and Kim Song-il.

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is chaired by O Su-yong. The other members are Hong So-hon, Pak Hyong-ryol, Ri Hi-yong, Kim Kwang-uk, Choe Yong-il, and Ri Kum-ok.

Legislation Committee

The Legislation Committee is chaired by Choe Pu-il. The other members are Kim Myong-gil, Kang Yun-sok, Pak Jong-nam, Kim Yong-bae, Jong Kyong-il, and Ho Kwang-il.

Deputy Credentials Committee

The Deputy Credentials Committee is chaired by Kim Phyong-hae.

List of office holders

Further information: Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly
Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Chairman Political party Term Start Term End Election Ref
Kim Tu-bong
김두봉
1889–1958
Workers' Party of North Korea 9 September 1948 20 September 1957 1st SPA
Workers' Party of Korea
Choe Yong-gon
최용건
1900–1976
Korean Democratic Party 20 September 1957 23 October 1962 2nd SPA
Workers' Party of Korea
23 October 1962 16 December 1967 3rd SPA
16 December 1967 28 December 1972 4th SPA
Hwang Jang-yop
황장엽
1923–2010
Workers' Party of Korea 28 December 1972 16 December 1977 5th SPA
16 December 1977 6 April 1982 6th SPA
6 April 1982 7 April 1983 7th SPA
Yang Hyong-sop
양형섭
(1925–2022)
Workers' Party of Korea 7 April 1983 29 December 1986
29 December 1986 24 May 1990 8th SPA
24 May 1990 5 September 1998 9th SPA
Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
President Political party Term Start Term End Election Ref
Kim Yong-nam
김영남
(born 1928)
Workers' Party of Korea 5 September 1998 3 September 2003 10th SPA
3 September 2003 9 April 2009 11th SPA
9 April 2009 9 April 2014 12th SPA
9 April 2014 11 April 2019 13th SPA
Choe Ryong-hae
최룡해
(born 1950)
Workers' Party of Korea 11 April 2019 Incumbent 14th SPA
Chairman of the Assembly of Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Chairman Political party Term Start Term End Election Ref
Ho Hon
허헌(許憲)
(1885–1951)
Workers' Party of Korea September 1948 1951 1st SPA
Paek Nam-un
백남운
(1894–1979)
Workers' Party of Korea 25 November 1957 1972 4th SPA
Han Duk-su
한덕수
(1907–2001)
Workers' Party of Korea 1972 1986 5th SPA
14th SPA
6th SPA
7th SPA
Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Chairman Political party Term Start Term End Election Ref
Choe Thae-bok
최태복
(1930–2024)
Workers' Party of Korea 5 September 1998 11 April 2019 10th SPA
11th SPA
12th SPA
13th SPA
Pak Thae-song
박태성
(born 1955)
Workers' Party of Korea 11 April 2019 17 January 2023 14th SPA
Pak In-chol
박인철
17 January 2023 Incumbent

Notes

See also

References

Citations

  1. North Koreans vote in 'no-choice' parliamentary elections
  2. North Korea goes to polls to rubber-stamp parliament lineup
  3. "DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA Choe Go In Min Hoe Ui (Supreme People's Assembly)". Inter-Parliamentary Union. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  4. "DPRK Holds Election of Local and National Assemblies". People's Korea. Archived from the original on 2012-05-10. Retrieved 2008-06-28.
  5. Gorvin, Ian (1989-01-01). Elections since 1945: a worldwide reference compendium. Longman. p. 196. ISBN 9780582036208.
  6. Publications, Europa; Staff, Europa Publications; 32nd, Ed (2017-04-25). The Far East and Australasia 2001. Taylor & Francis Group. p. 597. ISBN 9781857430806. Archived from the original on 2017-04-26.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments
  8. "North Korean legislature seen set to name Kim president", CNN, August 20, 1998. Archived March 26, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ Dae-woong, Jin (2007-10-04). "Who's who in North Korea's power elite". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2007-10-05.
  10. ^ "In full: promotions and demotions at North Korea's 14th SPA". NK PRO. Korea Risk Group. 12 April 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  11. "DPRK revises constitution, elects Kim Jong Un as top leader", 2012-04-14 Archived 2012-04-18 at the Wayback Machine
  12. Frank, Ruediger (28 April 2017). "The North Korean Parliamentary Session and Budget Report for 2017". 38 North. U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Archived from the original on 28 April 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  13. "N.K. leader re-elected as chairman of State Affairs Commission". Yonhap. 12 April 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  14. Staff writer (1998). "Chronology of Supreme People's Assembly". The People's Korea. Archived from the original on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  15. "North Korea votes for new rubber-stamp parliament". Associated Press. 8 March 2009.
  16. Milisic, Alma (19 July 2015). "Foregone result in North Korea's local elections". Al-Jazeera English.
  17. ^ Europa Publications Staff. (2002). The Far East and Australasia 2003. Routledge. pp. 680. ISBN 978-1-85743-133-9
  18. Frank, Ruediger (8 April 2016). "The 2016 North Korean Budget Report: 12 Observations". 38 North. U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Archived from the original on 4 May 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  19. ^ "Organizational Chart of North Korean Leadership" (PDF). Seoul: Political and Military Analysis Division, Intelligence and Analysis Bureau; Ministry of Unification. January 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  20. Madden, Michael (5 April 2013). "Kim Jong Un's Pyongyang Shuffle". 38 North. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  21. Cha & Hwang 2008, p. 201.
  22. Minnich 2008, p. 276.
  23. Cha & Hwang 2008, p. 196.
  24. ^ Cha & Hwang 2008, p. 198.
  25. Article 117, Section 4 of the Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2021)
  26. "6th Session of the 13th SPA Held". North Korea Leadership Watch. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  27. ^ "First-day Meeting of First Session of 14th SPA Held". KCNA Watch. 12 April 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  28. "Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea". 2016. Chapter VI, Section 1, Article 98. Archived from the original on 25 October 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  29. "8th Session of 14th SPA of DPRK Held". KCNA Watch. 19 January 2023.

Works cited

External links

North Korea Elections in North Korea
Parliamentary elections
By-elections
Local elections
Supreme People's Assembly
Leaders
Standing Committee Chairman
Assembly Chairman
Committees
Budget
Credentials
Foreign Affairs
Legislation
Terms
Leadership
Standing Committee
Assembly
Deputies
Elected bodies
Cabinet
Central Court
Central People's
National Defence
Procurator's Office
State Affairs
Posts
Abolished organs
Predecessors
Related
Category
Parliaments of Asia
Sovereign states
States with
limited recognition
Dependencies and
other territories
National unicameral legislatures
Federal
Unitary
Dependent and
other territories
Non-UN states
Historical
Related

39°01′43″N 125°44′59″E / 39.02861°N 125.74972°E / 39.02861; 125.74972

Categories: