North Korea has revised the rules and regulations governing its ruling Workers’ Party of Korea in a bid to facilitate a father-to-son power succession.

A government source in Seoul said Friday that the regulations were revised during a convention of party delegates held last September.

During the convention, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s youngest son and heir apparent, Kim Jong-un, was named to the newly created post of vice chairman of the ruling party’s Central Military Commission.

Pyongyang omitted a rule that made it mandatory for the party to hold a general convention every five years and instead enabled the party to elect senior members by convening a top delegates' meeting.

Also under the revisions, the power of the party’s Central Military Commission was increased greatly. A new rule was added that gives the commission the top authority in managing military personnel and defense projects.

The source said the North’s recent moves come in an apparent bid to prepare for any sudden changes in the health of Kim Jong-il and to ensure a smooth succession of power.