Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, head of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption, Wastefulness, and Negative Phenomena, chairs a meeting of the committee's Standing Board on March 18, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Controlling power, preventing corruption at roots

As the country enters a new development phase, the anti-corruption focus is shifting from strict punishment alone to prevention at the roots, while also protecting officials who dare to think innovatively and act decisively for the common good.

Students in Da Nang city joint a communication programme "Say No to Fake News" launched by the Vietnam News Agency. (Photo: VNA)

📝 OP-ED: Boosting "ideological immunity" to counter harmful information

A single post can reach millions of people within minutes. A short video can influence public sentiments on a broad scale. When the speed of dissemination far exceeds the speed of verification, safeguarding social trust in cyberspace becomes a matter of primary importance. That is why ideological work must adapt, move ahead of developments, take the initiative and provide guidance.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Vietnam affirms proactive, constructive role in ASEAN

As Southeast Asia becomes increasingly hit by strategic competition among major powers, maintaining unity and cohesion within ASEAN has become a prerequisite to preserve the bloc’s central role. In this process, Vietnam has emerged as an important balancing force.

Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See, located in Long Hoa ward, Tay Ninh province, is regarded as the spiritual centre of Cao Dai. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam cannot be distorted

According to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, more than 95% of the population engage in religious or belief-related activities. A total of 43 organisations representing 16 religions have been officially recognised and granted registration certificates, with nearly 28 million followers.

A health worker provides home health care for ethnic minority residents. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Human rights must not be misused

Throughout different historical periods, from the struggle for national liberation to national construction and defence, the consistent viewpoint of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State has been to place people at the centre of all development policies.

Dao ethnic minority people cast their votes. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Responsibility, trust demonstrated in general election

The success of the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term goes beyond the scope of a routine political event. It is an occasion for people nationwide to exercise their right to mastery and place their trust in the representatives chosen for the country’s new stage of development.

Muong Sai commune in Son La province is decorated to celebrate the election day. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Facts shatter distorted allegations about general election

In reality, the capacity and effectiveness of Vietnam’s legislative body have been clearly demonstrated through major policy decisions that have contributed to maintaining political stability, promoting economic growth and enhancing the country’s standing in the international arena.

Residents visit polling stations in their wards to review the list of candidates for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and members of People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Resolutely removing discordant voices ahead of national election day

When March 15 arrives, one will see elderly voters approaching a hundred years old making their way to the polls, young voters casting their ballots with enthusiasm, and multi-generational families going together to fulfil their civic duty. Together, these moments will create a vibrant atmosphere, resembling a national celebration.

The 55th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on March 2, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Streamlining state apparatus: A foundation for rapid, sustainable development

The election is unfolding as Vietnam presses ahead with sweeping administrative reforms, including efforts to streamline the state apparatus and implement a two-tier local government model from the central level to grassroots authorities. Amendments to key laws are also aimed at strengthening decentralisation, improving the management of public assets and accelerating digital transformation, enabling citizens to access information more easily while fostering a leaner, more transparent governance system that better upholds people’s rights.

A billboard on the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Vietnam stays vigilant to indirect incitement

The surge of baseless rumors and fake news ahead of March 15 reflects deliberate attempts by hostile actors to sow confusion, erode public interest in citizens’ electoral rights and obligations, and cast Election Day in a negative light.