Religions look forward to the national festival.

The spirit of anticipation for the 16th National Assembly elections and the elections for People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is spreading widely among religious communities in the province. This active participation contributes to fostering faith, raising civic responsibility, and leading up to this nationwide event.

Monks at Cù Là Mới Pagoda in Châu Thành commune review the voter information list. Photo: DANH THÀNH

At Giồng Kè Pagoda in Giang Thành commune, election awareness campaigns are integrated into religious activities, sermons, and community events. Through these, Buddhist followers are reminded of their rights and responsibilities as citizens and the importance of participating in elections. Venerable En Thund, the abbot of Giồng Kè Pagoda, stated that on the 15th and 30th of the lunar month, or when visiting Buddhist followers' homes, the monks regularly encourage people to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens, participate fully in elections, and wisely choose representatives who are virtuous and represent the voice of the people. To date, the pagoda has organized more than 10 awareness sessions, with over 500 Buddhist followers in attendance.

According to Venerable Danh Dong, Chairman of the Provincial Association of Patriotic Monks and Nuns, the Association has sent notices to 142 Khmer Theravada Buddhist temples regarding the intensification of election propaganda. The content focuses on clarifying the meaning and importance of the election; the rights and obligations of citizens in choosing National Assembly representatives and representatives of people's councils at all levels. All temples have displayed propaganda posters, integrated propaganda into religious activities, and encouraged monks and Buddhists to strictly adhere to the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws, contributing to making election day a true celebration of national unity.

Along with Khmer Theravada Buddhism, the Cao Dai Minh Chon Dao Provincial Representative Board is also actively promoting and encouraging followers to participate in the election. According to Professor Thuong Tan Thanh, Head of the Representative Board, the entire religion currently has over 5,900 followers, most of whom live by farming , trading, and working as laborers. “Cao Dai Minh Chon Dao always emphasizes patriotism and responsibility to the people. Religious leaders, officials, and followers recognize that participating in the election is both a duty and a right, contributing to building national unity,” Professor Thuong Tan Thanh said.

For the Muslim community, mobilization efforts are implemented comprehensively at mosques, smaller mosques, and religious gathering places. Mr. Haji Zacky, Head of the Provincial Muslim Community Representative Board, stated that the Board regularly encourages its members to comply with the Party's guidelines, the State's policies and laws, and to fully participate in elections.

The atmosphere leading up to election day is also spreading among a large number of Catholic parishioners. Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai, a parishioner from Tan Hiep commune, shared: “The priest and the Pastoral Council often remind people to live virtuous lives, abide by the law, and fulfill their civic duties. For me, participating in the election is a way to show the responsibility of the Catholic community towards society.”

According to Mr. Danh Phuc, Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion, the province currently has 14 religions, more than 490 affiliated religious organizations, and 920 religious establishments, with approximately 2.1 million followers, accounting for over 43% of the population. In recent times, religious organizations have closely coordinated with the government in disseminating information and encouraging followers to participate in elections.

With a spirit of solidarity and responsibility, religious communities in the province are continuing to play their role in social life, working together to ensure that the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is conducted democratically, lawfully, safely, and successfully.

RENOWNED CITY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cac-ton-giao-huong-den-ngay-hoi-toan-dan-a478049.html