Ensure consistency with the two-tier local government model

On the morning of November 15, at the National Conference to disseminate the Politburo's Directive and deploy the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, delegates listened to Mr. Do Thanh Binh, member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Home Affairs, present the Professional Guidelines for organizing the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.

Comrade Do Thanh Binh, member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Home Affairs, presented the guidelines on organizing the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. Photo: Doan Tan/VNA

Voting areas are decided by the People's Committee at the commune level.

Presenting the main contents of Circular No. 21/2025/TT-BNV dated October 12, 2025 of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Professional Guidelines for organizing the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, Minister Do Thanh Binh said that Circular No. 21 consists of 6 chapters and 35 articles, an increase of 2 chapters and 18 articles compared to the 2021 Circular.

The Minister noted a number of issues related to election operations. Regarding the organization of local elections when operating a two-level government model, the Minister said that, unlike the election work of previous terms, Circular No. 21/2025/TT-BNV guides the professional work of elections according to the two-level local government model (provincial and communal levels). Therefore, localities need to review all work related to election operations, from the establishment of organizations in charge of elections, assignment, coordination with agencies, organizations, units, preparation of equipment, documents to ensure consistency and synchronization with the two-level local government model and according to the instructions of competent authorities.

Minister Do Thanh Binh said that currently there is no longer a district level, so the determination of voting areas is decided by the People's Committee at the commune level and reported to the People's Committee at the provincial level. If necessary, the Provincial People's Committee will adjust the determination of voting areas. Or for administrative units that are special zones (formerly island districts), establish an Election Team and direct. But currently, the People's Committee of the special zone directly establishes an Election Team, assigns tasks, prepares ballot boxes, ballots, posts lists, and reports to the Provincial People's Committee.

Regarding the application of science and technology and digital transformation in organizing elections, the Circular has many new breakthrough contents in the application of science and technology and digital transformation in carrying out election work. However, the application of science and technology and digital transformation in election work must be carried out carefully, ensuring compliance with the provisions of the law on elections and ensuring the safety and confidentiality of information on vote counting and election results.

Regarding the division of constituencies and polling areas, Minister Do Thanh Binh suggested that localities need to ensure balance, rationality, and convenience for voters. This is completely new content, therefore, to ensure that the election work is consistent with the two-level local government model, the Circular of the Ministry of Home Affairs has specifically regulated the division of constituencies and polling areas, determining the number of constituencies and the number of elected representatives according to the national population database as of August 31, 2025.

According to the Minister, the goal of dividing constituencies and polling areas is to ensure a balance in the number of voters between constituencies, without too much difference, while creating the most favorable conditions for all citizens to easily exercise their right to vote.

Regarding some special situations and handling plans, Minister Do Thanh Binh requested localities to pay close attention in directing and implementing related situations such as: Organizing early elections for voters who are military forces due to the nature of performing tasks at sea and on islands; isolated and blockaded areas due to epidemics; areas isolated due to natural disasters, fires...

The Minister of Home Affairs said that the above contents have been specified in detail and fully in Circular No. 21/2025/TT-BNV, requesting agencies, units and localities to thoroughly implement the provisions in the Circular.

The Minister affirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs, as a standing agency assisting the Government and the Prime Minister and as assigned by the National Election Council, has issued a specific plan, including organizing nationwide training for members and organizations in charge of elections in localities, especially training for members of the Election Team immediately after the Election Team is established as prescribed by January 31, 2026. During the process of advising on the implementation of the election work, the Ministry of Home Affairs will closely coordinate with ministries, branches and localities to effectively implement the election work this time.

At the conference, Mr. Le Quang Manh, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary General of the National Assembly - Head of the National Assembly Office, member of the National Election Council, Chief of the National Election Council Office presented the National Election Council's Plan on implementing the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Council deputies at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.

The plan of the National Election Council clearly states the contents of consultation and introduction of candidates for National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies and adjustment of the structure, composition and number of candidates introduced as prescribed in Section 2 and Section 3, Chapter V of the Law on Election of National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies; Resolution No. 101 of the National Assembly Standing Committee; Joint Resolution No. 102 of the National Assembly Standing Committee, the Government, the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front...

Chief of the Office of the National Election Council Le Quang Manh noted that localities need to pay attention to ensuring security and safety in internal political protection work related to the election, especially the work of reviewing and approving personnel in accordance with regulations.

Regarding the announcement of election results, Chief of Office of the National Election Council Le Quang Manh said that the National Election Council, based on the Minutes summarizing the election nationwide, will announce the election results and the list of elected National Assembly deputies no later than March 25, 2026 (10 days after the election day).

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/dam-bao-dong-bo-voi-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-hai-cap-20251115121314494.htm