A a polling station in the Tho Chau Special Zone. (Photo: Lam Hieu/VOV–Mekong Delta)

Vietnam’s election law specifies universality, equality, direct voting, and secret ballots. This means that most citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote. Each citizen has an equal vote and is free to choose their candidates without having to disclose their choices to others.

Democracy from consultation to voting

In Vietnam, all election procedures are implemented in accordance with regulations, with the highest goal being ensuring the people’s right to mastery.

The process of selecting the most qualified candidates was carried out by the Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels through three consultation rounds, which the public was fully informed of and able to monitor and supervise.

Nguyen Quynh Lien, Head of the Department of Democracy, Supervision and Social Criticism of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (Photo: Kim Thanh/ VOV)

Nguyen Quynh Lien, Head of the Department of Democracy, Supervision and Social Criticism of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, said: “The Vietnam Fatherland Front plays an important role in informing the people of their rights and responsibilities as stipulated in the Constitution and the Election Law. People participate in the initial stage of the election and cast their ballots on the Election Day for those who will represent them in the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels.”

Professor Dr. Phan Trung Son, former senior lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said that during the three-round consultation process, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations genuinely reflected the people’s aspirations in selecting dedicated candidates with vision, intellect, and responsibility.

“These organizations nominate through the consultation process candidates who meet the expectations of the people. The consultation rounds must reflect the people’s aspirations. The more rigorous the screening process, the more likely the selection of qualified candidates, who have the capability, dedication, intellect, vision, and talent to undertake the duties and meet the demands of the new era,” Son said.

The three-round consultation process at the grassroots level was governed by four principles: “the people know, the people discuss, the people supervise, and the people choose”.

Nguyen Thi Linh, a voter in Thai Nguyen, said, “I’ve studied the candidates’ profiles carefully. I feel very proud to participate in the elections.”

The National Election Council holds a press conference on preparations for Election Day. (Photo: Do Minh/VOV)

Representing the people’s trust

The consultation rounds, the selection of candidates, and the nationwide Election Day place the people at the center of the election.

“The election reflects the spirit of “taking the people as the root” and “a State of the people, by the people and for the people,” said Nguyen Quynh Lien, Head of the Department of Democracy, Supervision and Social Criticism of the Vietnam Fatherland Front. 

Voters check candidates’ profile at a residential area in Thai Nguyen. (Photo: Kim Thanh/VOV)

The documents of the 14th National Party Congress consistently emphasize that principle. The election realises the idea that “the people are the masters and the people exercise mastery”. The people exercise their democratic rights in electing the most outstanding representatives to the highest state agency – the National Assembly – and People’s Councils at all levels.”

The democratic nature of elections in Vietnam is clearly reflected in the high turnout of voters. With well-organised, transparent preparations that place people at the centre, the March 15 election will create a foundation for swift implementation of decisions adopted at the 14th National Party Congress.