(CNN) -- North Korea's political leaders are expected to meet this month in a rare gathering, possibly to set the stage for the handover of power from Kim Jong Il to his youngest son.
"He may not be unveiled as Kim Jong Il's successor. That may come later. But if he does, for example, become a member of the Central Committee, then we know things are in process," said Richard Bush, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank.
The Korean Workers' Party last convened its delegates more than four decades ago. State media in the secretive North have said the party will assemble in early September to discuss policies, strategies and tactics.
The meeting will be "held under the wise leadership of our general to meet the demand of our revolutionary development," according to state-run television.
"This conference is also for the purpose of strengthening the party, as well as raising the ability and role of the leadership, which will be of great significance to spread the magnificent future of our country and people".
CNN
