Comprehensive and rigorous preparations for the elections of deputies to 16th NA and all-level People’s Councils for the 2026–2031 term

On the morning of November 15, the National Election Council (NEC) convened a nationwide conference to disseminate the Politburo’s directive and launch preparations for the elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. The conference was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance with online connections to provincial- and communal-level venues across 34 provinces and cities nationwide.

Attending the conference were Party General Secretary To Lam; members of the Politburo including State President Luong Cuong; Chairman of the NA and President of the NEC Tran Thanh Man; Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu; members of the Politburo, Secretaries of the Party Central Committee; members of the Party Central Committee; and leaders of central-level ministries and sectors, agencies, and units.

Leaders of Dong Nai Province attend the conference at the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee venue. Photo: Ho Thao

Dong Nai Province’s delegation attended directly at the Dien Hong meeting hall of the NA comprised nine members, including Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Council Ton Ngoc Hanh; Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the Dong Nai province Huynh Thi Hang; and the Provincial Party Committee members, including Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council Tran Van Mi, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Ho Van Ha, Deputy Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation Dieu Huynh Sang, Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Organisation Commission Bui Thi Yen, Director of the Department of Home Affairs Nguyen Huu Dinh; Deputy Head of the Organisation and Inspection Department of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Dang Thi Tham; and Head of the Personnel Organisation Division of the Department of Home Affairs Le Van Cuong.

Attending the event at the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee venue were: Thai Bao, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Organisation Commission; members of the Standing Board of the Provincial Party Committee including Tran Trung Nhan, Chairman of the Provincial Party Committee's Inspection Commission; Nguyen Minh Hoi, Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Internal Affairs Commission; along with members of the Provincial Party Committee, and leaders of provincial departments, agencies, and units. The conference was connected online to 95 wards and commune venues across the province.

Delegates attend the conference at the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee venue. Photo: Ho Thao

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the NA and President of the NEC Tran Thanh Man emphasised that the elections of deputies to the 16th NA and deputies to People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term is a significant political event of the nation, held at a moment of exceptional importance. The entire Party, people, and armed forces are striving to emulate to achieve accomplishments in celebration of the 14th National Party Congress; the streamlined reform of the organisational apparatus of the political system; the operation of the two-tier local government model; and the re-arrangement of administrative boundaries – all of which open up new spaces and momentum for development, forming a foundation for maintaining stability, promoting modern national governance, fostering rapid and sustainable growth, and better ensuring the material and spiritual well-being of the people.

According to the Chairman of the NA, the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, the Secretariat, the NA, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and all levels of Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front, and mass organisations have identified this as one of the key tasks for 2026. To date, agencies pursuant to their respective functions and duties and localities have issued leadership, direction, guidance documents, and have organized the implementation of election-related tasks in accordance with regulations and the set timeline.

Overview of the conference at the Dong Nai venue. Photo: Ho Thao

The top legislator stated that compared with previous terms, this election features several important new points: shortening the term of the 15th NA and People's Councils for the 2021–2026 period; setting the election date as March 15, 2026, about two months earlier than previous elections; and shortening the time between steps in the election process: the period from the close of candidacy submissions to election day is reduced from 70 days to 42 days. Relevant timelines for consultation procedures, announcement of candidate lists, and settlement of complaints and denunciations have also been adjusted accordingly to ensure consistency and practical suitability.

Authority over determining polling areas and organisation of election-management bodies has been adjusted to align with the two-tier local government model. Methods of election campaigning have been diversified: in addition to face-to-face meetings with voters, online or hybrid formats may be used, provided technical conditions, information security, and cybersecurity are ensured. Notably, a mechanism has been introduced, allowing the NEC to proactively adjust timelines and give guidance to election-management bodies when practical circumstances arise, ensuring the progress and effectiveness of election organisation.

At the conference, delegates heard agencies’presentations on the Politburo’s directive regarding leadership of the elections of deputies to the 16th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term; guidance of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission on personnel work for the elections; and the Prime Minister’s directive on organising the 2026 parliamentary and local elections. The conference also heard a presentation on the procedural steps for conducting consultations to select and nominate candidates for the NA and the People’s Councils, as well as the organisation of meetings with voters to collect public opinions; guidance on professional procedures for organising the election of deputies to the 16th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term; and the plan of the NEC on implementing the election of deputies to the 16th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term.

Party General Secretary To Lam delivers guidance at the conference. Photo: Courtesy of NA

In his instructions, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized five key matters that must be thoroughly grasped to ensure the success of the election.

The Party chief underscored the priority of personnel work – the most critical component of the election. He stressed that while efforts should be made to elect sufficient numbers and structures of deputies, quality must be the top priority. Deputies to the NA and People’s Councils must truly be loyal representatives of the people, speaking for the people, working for the people, and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the people, particularly the electorate in their own constituencies. It is essential to select individuals who truly exemplify integrity, competence, and excellence. The 2026–2031 term is a pivotal period for realising the nation’s two centennial strategic goals, placing high demands on the elected bodies. Therefore, priority should be given to individuals with innovative thinking, those who dare to think, dare to speak, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility; those with vision and capacity to contribute to policy-making that fosters local and national development in the new phase.

The Party General Secretary also stressed the need for thorough screening and the firm exclusion, from the outset, of individuals who exhibit political opportunism, power ambition, conservatism, factionalism, parochialism, or localism; individuals with low credibility, poor ethics, lack of honesty, or who show signs of wrongdoings and are under inspection or investigation by competent authorities. He noted that the past term saw a number of NA and People's Council deputies disciplined or abusing their positions and authority in violation of the law. Lessons should be drawn from these cases when selecting and nominating personnel for the upcoming term. This is an important requirement to uphold discipline, integrity, and the purity of the contingent of cadres, ensuring that the elected bodies for the next term truly consist of honourable, upright deputies who place the interests of the country, the nation, and the people above all else, first and foremost.

Overview of the conference. Photo: Courtesy of NA

The Party General Secretary further urged strong organisation of the consultation process, promotion of the people’s mastery throughout the election, and intensified communication and mobilisation to foster a positive, united social atmosphere and enhance voter awareness and responsibility. Each Party member must demonstrate exemplary leadership, not only by participating fully and lawfully in voting but also by encouraging family members and surrounding citizens to enthusiastically take part in it. The election is an opportunity for officials and party members to stay close to the people, listen to their concerns and aspirations, and contribute to public communication and guidance, thereby building a broad social consensus for a successful election.

He highlighted the need to safeguard political security, social order, and safety, and to address arising issues promptly. Preparations for election security must be proactive, comprehensive, and meticulous. He also called for enhanced application of information technology and seamless coordination across the political system to ensure the effective organisation of the election.

Chairman of the NA Tran Thanh Man delivers the closing remarks. Photo: Courtesy of NA

In his closing remarks, Chairman of the NA, Tran Thanh Man, emphasised that the election results will significantly contribute to promoting democracy, consolidating national unity, strengthening public trust, and fulfilling the goals and tasks of national renewal, contributing to building and safeguarding the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Therefore, he requested that immediately following the conference, the Standing Committee of the NA, the NEC, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, provinces, cities, and relevant agencies continue close coordination in leadership, direction, guidance, and implementation according to statutory timelines.

Highlighting key immediate tasks, the Chairman of the NA noted that preparations for the upcoming elections are extremely urgent, with a heavy workload across the country, coinciding with preparations for the Lunar New Year. The top legislator called for a thorough understanding of the directive issued by Party General Secretary To Lam who stated although time is limited, the workload is substantial and the requirements are high, but at this decisive moment, we must exert even greater efforts, make the most of our time, work with a spirit of overcoming challenges, and act decisively for the interests of the country and the nation.

By Ho Thao – Translated by My Le, Thu Ha