(VOVworld)- March 13 is the application deadline for self-nominated candidates for the 14^th NA election and People’s Council election for the 2016-2021 term. Article 27 of the 2013 Constitution stipulates the citizen, shall, upon reaching the age of eighteen, have the right to vote and, upon reaching the age of twenty-one, have the right to stand for election to the National Assembly and the People's Councils. According to the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the number of self-nominated candidates this time is higher than in previous elections.

\ Chairman of HCM City's Election Committee presents documents to a representative of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in HCM City

Self-nominated candidates have several opportunities

Former Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Le Truyen said that in 2011, he had no difficulty nominating himself for the 13^th National Assembly election. Truyen says the increased number of self-nominated candidates for the 14^th National Assembly proves democracy is working: “The higher number of self-nominated candidates demonstrates the improvement in democracy. If the self-nominated candidate respects the law and electoral agencies carry their work according to the law, don’t discriminate, and exercise democracy and equality, everything will go smoothly. I welcome all self-nominees”.

Legally, those who are nominated by agencies and organizations and self-nominated candidates are equal before the voters. The list of the candidates will be printed alphabetically with distinction between nomination and self-nomination. At meetings with voters before the election, local authorities are not allowed to give any direction concerning candidate nominations. The Fatherland Front will closely monitor all these activities to ensure fair competition between candidates. Nguyen Tu Tuan is with the Thang Long Club, Hanoi: "It’s important that the candidates, nominated or self-nominated, be responsible to the nation and to the people. Our ultimate goal is building the nation and doing the best thing for the people. A representatives of the people, we need to be cautious in speaking to avoid causing chaos among the public”.

Meeting the criteria of a NA deputy

In the 13^th NA election in 2011, there were 82 self-nominated candidates in 22 cities and provinces. 15 of them were elected. Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Van Pha says self-nominated candidates need to be aware of the responsibilities of a NA deputy: “Self-nominated candidates need to be serious, not just curious to see how democracy is exercised. Being serious means you need to see whether you meet all criteria set by law. If you are elected, can you do what you have promised? Both nominated and self-nominated candidates need to build good relationships in their residential area. Many self-nominated candidates fail because they cannot get support from people in their locality”.

Self-nomination for the NA election shows that constitutional rights are exercised in Vietnam. A candidate needs to meet all criteria and be outstanding in terms of competence and morality to represent the people in the NA or the People’s Councils.