A South Korean lawmaker stated on Thursday that North Korea possesses sufficient plutonium and uranium to manufacture at least a double-digit quantity of nuclear weapons, according to information from the country’s intelligence agency.

The agency also anticipates the possibility of North Korea conducting a seventh nuclear test following the U.S. presidential election on November 5, as noted by Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee.

In a report released in July, the Federation of American Scientists estimated that Pyongyang might have generated enough fissile material to create up to 90 nuclear warheads, although it is believed that the actual number assembled is closer to 50.

Lee pointed out that it is uncommon for North Korean state media to cover leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to a uranium enrichment site, indicating that the report issued earlier this month was likely intended to convey a message to Washington in advance of the U.S. presidential election.

Lee, addressing reporters following a briefing from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, indicated that the report regarding the visit might serve domestic interests. “Given the dire economic circumstances, this could be seen as an effort to boost confidence among the populace,” Lee remarked.

North Korea maintains that its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities are essential for countering perceived threats from the United States and its allies. The regime frequently emphasizes these weapons as symbols of national pride and evidence of the country’s strength.

The North Korean Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA), which functions as the state’s nominal parliament, is scheduled to hold a new session on October 7 in Pyongyang. During this session, amendments to the constitution may be proposed, along with potential measures to redefine boundaries with South Korea, according to Lee.

The previous SPA meeting took place in January, during which leader Kim advocated for a constitutional change that would designate South Korea as the “primary foe.”