Staying closer to people through "Voter Meeting Points" model

Rather than waiting for scheduled voter meetings, People's Council deputies in Dai Phuoc commune have taken the initiative to visit individual hamlets and establish "Voter Meeting Points," allowing residents to voice their concerns directly within their own communities.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai, Vice Chairwoman of the Dai Phuoc commune People's Council, discusses local issues with voters and officials from Phuoc Ly and Thi Cau hamlets during an inspection of a residential road. Photo: Ho Thao

These close meetings have enabled local authorities to identify and resolve grassroots issues more promptly, helping transform People's Council activities into a more responsive, people-centered and practical form of governance.

Bringing elected representatives closer to the community

In recent months, traffic outside the school complex and the Dai Phuoc commune headquarters now flows much more smoothly. Parents and local residents no longer have to weave around flower beds that once occupied much of the sidewalk. The widened walkways now provide safer access, while the open space has become a popular gathering place for exercise and recreation in the evenings.

Cao Van Phuc, a voter from Thi Cau hamlet, said he had repeatedly raised concerns over flower beds blocking visibility near Phu Dong Primary School for several years, yet no meaningful progress has been made.

After the issue was presented at a Voter Meeting Point, the communal leaders conducted an on-site inspection and agreed to remove the flower beds entirely, significantly improving traffic safety.

Pham Thi Luong, who lives nearby this area, recalled that this place had long been a source of concern because four schools and the commune headquarters generated heavy traffic during peak hours. The flower beds occupied much of the sidewalk, obstructing visibility and contributing to a number of traffic accidents. "What surprised me most was how quickly the authorities responded after the issue was raised at a Voter Meeting Point," she said. "Not only was a longstanding traffic bottleneck eliminated, but the space has also become a community area where residents gather every evening. People are happy because they can see their opinions are truly being heard."

The school entrance was only one of many local issues addressed through the initiative. Earlier this year, in response to the Skilled public mobilization emulation movement, the Standing Committee of the Dai Phuoc commune People's Council launched the Voter Meeting Point model to innovate the way the People's Council engages with voters at the grassroots level.

Unlike traditional voter meetings, which were typically held at fixed intervals in formal settings, the new model allows People's Council deputies to meet residents directly in their hamlets. The atmosphere encourages more open discussions, enabling citizens to express their concerns more freely while giving deputies a better understanding of local realities.

According to Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai, Vice Chairwoman of the Dai Phuoc commune People's Council, the purpose of the initiative is not to hold more meetings, but to give elected representatives more opportunities to meet residents face to face.

"When we visit each hamlet, even seemingly minor issues, from illegal dumping sites and damaged drainage covers to poorly lit roads or flower beds obstructing school entrances, become much easier to identify. Only by understanding local conditions firsthand can we effectively monitor how problems are addressed and ensure that solutions truly reflect residents' needs," she said.

Vice Chairwoman of the Dai Phuoc commune People's Council Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai, inspects a repaired drainage cover with voters and local officials in Thi Cau hamlet following residents' feedback. Photo: Ho Thao

Faster responses to local concerns

Ngo Van Hiep, a voter from Phuoc Ly hamlet, had repeatedly reported an illegal dumping site that polluted the neighborhood as well as delays in constructing a local residential road. After raising these issues at a Voter Meeting Point, the dumping site was cleared and construction of the road was accelerated, making travel safer and more convenient for residents.

According to Hiep, what residents appreciate most is the authorities' transparency about which issues can be addressed immediately and which require additional time and procedural steps.

"I think the People's Council has acted very responsibly. We understand that some cases must follow legal procedures. What matters is that the authorities genuinely listen and never ignore the concerns of local people," he said.

After three months of implementation in Ben Co, Thi Cau and Phuoc Ly hamlets, the model has received 71 recommendations from voters. All have been referred to relevant agencies for review and handling. To date, 13 issues have been fully resolved, 17 are being addressed according to established timelines, while the remaining cases have received responses from the commune People’s Committee outlining planned solutions.

Duong Van Nhon, Head of the Phuoc Ly hamlet Front Working Committee, also noted clear improvements. He said direct engagement by People's Council deputies has strengthened field inspections and oversight. One example is the installation of street lighting along a local road following residents' feedback, improving traffic safety and enhancing the quality of the residential area.

Nguyen Van Dung, Secretary of the Party Cell in Thi Cau hamlet, described the Voter Meeting Point model as a practical bridge between local authorities and residents. Although recently introduced, it has already produced positive improvements in local infrastructure and community facilities. He expressed hope that the initiative would continue and be expanded.

Vice Chairwoman of the Dai Phuoc commune People's Council Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai listens to voters' opinions and recommendations during a community meeting. Photo: Ho Thao

According to Mai, simply receiving and forwarding petitions is not enough for residents to appreciate the role of elected bodies. What voters want is to see concrete results after raising their concerns.

For that reason, after every “Voter Meeting Point” session, the Standing Committee of the commune People's Council not only compiles residents' feedback but also monitors implementation, conducts follow-up site inspections, urges relevant agencies to act, and reports progress back to voters.

"We respect every opinion expressed by our voters and closely monitor how each issue is resolved so that residents can see tangible results. That is also how we strengthen public trust in elected bodies," she said.

Today, the wider sidewalks outside the school gates represent more than a simple infrastructure improvement. They also symbolize a narrowing of the gap between elected representatives and the people, as concerns raised in neighborhood meetings are brought closer to where local authorities handle matters.

By H. Thao – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha