We visited Thoi Hoa B hamlet, Co Do commune, Can Tho city, and were informed by Venerable Duong An, abbot of Settodor Pagoda, that the hamlet has 2,171 voters, of which Khmer people account for approximately 97-98%. Before the March 15th election, the local authorities posted the voter list at the community center and other community gathering points. The people proactively sought information to exercise their rights and civic duties.

Venerable Thượng tọa Dương An, abbot of Settodo Pagoda, Thới Hòa B hamlet, Cờ Đỏ commune, Cần Thơ city, is gathering information about the candidates.

“Settodor Pagoda is an important religious and cultural center for the Khmer community. Propaganda efforts are integrated into Buddhist activities such as the 15th and 30th days of the lunar month. The focus is on encouraging people to vote on time, elect the required number of representatives, and choose those who meet the criteria. The propaganda is conducted through direct interaction to create a sense of closeness and clarity; in particular, the content is bilingual, prioritizing Khmer so that people can easily access, remember, and comply with the regulations. For some Buddhists working far away, the pagoda reminds and encourages them to arrange their time to return and participate in the election if possible,” added Venerable Duong An.

The Settodor Temple Board of Directors discussed the election process.

Through community meetings, local activities, and events at temples, many people have come to understand the meaning and importance of the election.

Mr. Lam Vu Nguyen, a member of the Settodor Pagoda Management Board, said: “As a member of the Pagoda Management Board, we organized and encouraged Buddhist followers to participate fully and in accordance with regulations in the election; selecting individuals with sufficient virtue and talent to represent the will and aspirations of the people. Simultaneously, the Thoi Hoa B Hamlet Front Committee also intensified propaganda through various forms, suitable to the specific characteristics of the ethnic minority community.”

Mr. Kim Dong, Head of the Thoi Hoa B Hamlet Front Committee, said: “The hamlet's Front Committee, in coordination with the Party branch, mass organizations, and the temple's management board, has integrated propaganda content into gatherings with large numbers of people, especially on holidays at the temple. On the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the Venerable Abbot's death, information about the election day, as well as the meaning and importance of the election, was promptly communicated to Buddhists and the people.”

Voters in Co Do commune gather information about the candidates.

In Co Do commune, election awareness campaigns were also conducted through group meetings and direct outreach to households. Residents were informed to check the voter list and report any omissions immediately to the hamlet's People's Committee or the commune's election committee for timely additions, ensuring the legitimate rights of each citizen. For households with members working away from home, the local authorities encouraged them to contact relevant parties to arrange for their return to participate in the election.

Mr. Luu Thanh Hien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Co Do Commune and Vice Chairman of the Commune Election Committee, shared: “Immediately after its establishment, the Commune Election Committee issued important resolutions, established election committees, and implemented tasks in accordance with legal regulations; the list of candidates was compiled and posted within the legally stipulated time. This is the basis for the locality to develop appropriate propaganda plans, ensuring that all voters understand their rights and obligations. In addition to the local broadcasting system, the commune also organizes mobile loudspeakers in residential areas; and leverages the role of influential people and monks at temples to integrate propaganda into religious activities, ensuring that information reaches every household.”

A polling station in Co Do commune, Can Tho city.

With the coordinated efforts of the entire political system and the positive response of the Khmer people, Co Do commune, Can Tho city, is determined to successfully organize the election, ensuring democracy, safety, and legality, truly making it a festival for all the people.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/xa-hoi/dan-toc-ton-giao/dong-bao-khmer-can-tho-huong-ve-ngay-hoi-lon-1030064