(Photo: VNA)
45% of candidates for Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly (NA) being women reflects both the aspirations and the capacity of women to engage in decision-making processes, bringing their perspectives and experiences into law making and enforcement for the country’s development and prosperity.
NA and People’s Council deputies must have strong political and moral qualities, professional competence, proven execution ability and a genuine commitment to public service. They must therefore serve as exemplary figures of integrity, responsibility and dedication to national interests and citizens’ well-being.
Vietnamese voters have enthusiastically engaged in the electoral process, demonstrating democratic spirit and civic responsibility while contributing to the selection of worthy representatives who reflect the will and aspirations of the people.
Many localities have recorded high voter turnout, particularly several northern mountainous provinces such as Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Tuyen Quang. Other localities, including Ha Tinh, Da Nang, Lang Son, Nghe An, and Thai Nguyen, have also reported a rate of more than 90%.
The choosing of capable and dedicated representatives is expected to further strengthen public trust and lay a solid institutional foundation for Vietnam to advance towards rapid, sustainable development and deeper global integration in the coming period.
The representatives chosen through the 14th National Party Congress and the March 15 election will continue promoting the country's stature in the international arena and build on the foundation laid by earlier generations of Vietnamese leaders guided by President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, said Ambassador of Timor Leste João Pereira.
The Vietnamese legislature has been instrumental in shaping the legal foundations for economic growth, via the adoption and revision of laws governing investment, public–private partnerships, land management and digital governance as key steps in building a more stable regulatory environment, strengthening investor confidence and supporting Vietnam’s transition toward a market-oriented economy.
Moving the election forward is a practical decision to ensure high‑level personnel changes are made as quickly as possible, so that nothing delays the implementation of the 14th Party Congress’s ambitious agenda, said the former Australian Ambassador.
By 12:00, voting had already been completed with 100% turnout in some areas, including Bach Long Vi special zone in Hai Phong city.
Emphasising the role of technology in election management and organisation, the NA Chairman affirmed that the application of information technology to this election has delivered clear results, meeting three key criteria – speed, accuracy and security.
By 10am, nine provinces had posted a turnout rate of over 50%, including the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai nearing 70%, while many areas had exceeded 40%.
By 9am, the voter turnout rates were reported at 41.23% in Ha Tinh, 28.75% in Vinh Long, 26.13% in Ca Mau and 22.41% in Tay Ninh.
The election is taking place as the country continues efforts to advance renewal and development, with the selection of capable representatives expected to contribute to building a socialist rule-of-law state and promoting socio-economic progress.
Voters in Khanh Hoa will elect 12 deputies to the 16th NA from a list of 20 candidates; 67 deputies to the provincial People’s Council for the 2026–2031 term from 108 candidates; and 1,392 deputies to commune- and ward-level People’s Councils from 2,317 candidates.
In a message to voters across the country, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed that showing up to vote is both a sacred right and responsibility of every citizen.
Party General Secretary To Lam described the election as a major national event that demonstrates the people’s freedom and right to mastery, enabling them to select capable and reputable representatives to undertake the country’s common tasks and guide national and local development while safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Commending Tay Ho ward for its thorough preparations, particularly at Polling Station No. 21, the PM urged the election committee to facilitate early voting and ensure every eligible voter can fully exercise their rights and responsibilities.
Wherever they may be, the overseas Vietnamese community's devotion and commitment to the homeland remain a strong bond connecting Vietnamese people around the world. All share a common belief that Vietnam will continue moving forward on its development path with the support of its people both at home and overseas.
The election carries profound significance, taking place shortly after the successful 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam that defined major orientations and a strategic vision for national development in the new era.
According to the National Election Council, from 864 candidates, voters will elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly (1.73 candidates per seat). For provincial-level People’s Councils, voters will elect 2,552 deputies from 4,217 candidates (1.65 candidates per seat). For commune-level People’s Councils, voters will elect 72,611 deputies from 120,873 candidates (1.66 candidates per seat).
