Voters across the country enthusiastically went to the polls.

At exactly 7:00 AM on March 15, 2026, voters nationwide enthusiastically cast their ballots at more than 72,000 polling stations, marking the beginning of the election for representatives to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. Prior to this, some polling stations had organized early in accordance with the law due to the specific characteristics of their localities.

The first voters in Minh Chau island commune ( Hanoi ) receive their ballots. Photo: Tran Viet/TTXVN

In this election, nearly 79 million voters nationwide will exercise their right and duty to vote.

This is a significant political event for the country, taking place immediately after the 14th National Congress of the Party. It is a concrete step in implementing the Party's resolution on personnel work, related to the responsibilities of all levels and sectors; it is an opportunity for voters to exercise their civic rights, electing outstanding and worthy individuals to represent their will, aspirations, and right to self-governance in the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the new term.

The election was held against the backdrop of the country's reform process, which after 40 years had achieved tremendous, historically significant achievements in all areas of social life; it was also a time when our country was actively implementing the restructuring and streamlining of the political system's organizational apparatus, reorganizing administrative boundaries, and operating a two-tiered local government model to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and effectiveness in order to enter a new era of national development.

People view the list of candidates at polling station No. 1, Xuan Hoa ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thanh Vu/TTXVN

According to data from the National Election Council, from 864 candidates, voters will elect 500 representatives to the 16th National Assembly (a ratio of 1.73 candidates per elected representative); for provincial People's Councils, from 4,217 candidates, voters will elect 2,552 representatives (a ratio of 1.65 candidates per elected representative); and for commune People's Councils, from 120,873 candidates, voters will elect 72,611 representatives (a ratio of 1.66 candidates per elected representative), as stipulated by law.

According to regulations, the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and deputies to People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term will end at 7 PM on the same day, unless extended as prescribed, but not exceeding 9 PM.

VNA reporters will continue to update information on this important political event in the country.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/cu-tri-ca-nuoc-no-nuc-di-bau-cu-20260315070709520.htm