PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea at a rare party congress, state media reported Monday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the decision as unanimous among all delegates, reflecting the “unshakable will” of the party members.
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The party congress, held just once every five years, provides a rare insight into North Korea’s tightly controlled political process, overseeing matters ranging from economic policy to military planning. KCNA highlighted that under Kim’s leadership, the country’s nuclear-based “war deterrence” has been “radically improved,” strengthening North Korea’s defense capabilities.
KIM JONG UN’S RE-ELECTION
North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary during its ongoing party congress, praising him for boosting the country’s prestige and strengthening its military.
FULL REPORT: https://t.co/Vv7M2RQ1D9 pic.twitter.com/ycMYZC6KXF
— News5 (@News5PH) February 23, 2026
North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party re-elected leader Kim Jong Un as general secretary at the fourth day of its party congress meetings.
In a report, it credited Kim for raising the prestige of the country, creating an international environment favourable to its revolutionary… pic.twitter.com/zBEh2WeoPR
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 23, 2026
Opening the congress earlier this week, Kim stressed the importance of economic development alongside military power, pledging to improve living standards in the sanctions-hit nation. “Today, our party is faced with heavy and urgent historic tasks of boosting economic construction and the people’s standard of living and transforming all realms of state and social life as early as possible,” he said.
The KCNA report also noted that delegates voted to revise party rules to consolidate ranks and ensure impartiality in applying party discipline. Observers say the congress underscores Kim’s absolute control over the state apparatus and offers a platform to reinforce his cult of personality.
Since taking power in 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Un has prioritized both nuclear development and gradual economic reforms, while publicly acknowledging prior economic missteps. The 2026 congress is expected to outline the next phase of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, signaling continued emphasis on military strength.
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This marks the ninth congress convened under the Kim family’s rule, with previous sessions often highlighting the regime’s strategic and domestic priorities, while tightly managing internal dissent.