2013 Constitution – outstanding imprint of 13th National Assembly

Hanoi (VNA) – The most outstanding imprint left by the 13th National Assembly during the tenure was the 2013 Constitution, which upholds human rights, citizens’ rights and the rule of law, law makers said at the NA session on March 28 morning.

During more than two years since the promulgation of the Constitution, the NA has adopted nearly 70 laws which cover almost all aspects of socio-economic life.

NA deputies also shared their view that the 13th tenure was a tenure of comprehensive reform in all three major tasks of constitution building, law building and supervision and making decision on key national issues. They noted the high sense of responsibility the NA has demonstrated towards voters and the people.

At the same time, the deputies candidly spoke about existing shortcomings and weaknesses in the NA’s operation that should be addressed in the coming tenures, in order to improve the efficiency of the State’s highest power body.

In his opinion, Deputy Huynh Nghia representing the central city of Da Nang said the NA has failed to fully exercise its power, while its inspection of anti-corruption is not strong enough. He also said law making work lacks focus and many laws do not meet requirements of reality. The deputy called for sanction measures on law-drafting and verifying agencies when the law they build is not feasible.

Deputy Truong Thi Hue of Thai Nguyen Province complained about the frequent adjustment of law building programme and the delay in submitting draft law documents to NA deputies, which give deputies little time to study the bills.

Another problem is the vague stipulations in laws, which require more documents guiding the implementation of laws. It takes time to issue such guiding documents, creating a “legal gap” that facilitates the dodge of law, she said.

Many deputies proposed increasing the proportion of full-time deputies in order to enhance the professionalism and quality of NA operation.

Deputy Nguyen Van Tuyet from Ba Ria-Vung Tau province said his constituents called for raising the proportion to 60 percent.

The 13th National Assembly is holding its last session from March 21. The session will last 19 days.-VNA