Expressing expectations for development.

The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and deputies to People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term will take place on March 15th. With thorough and careful preparation, and with the enthusiastic spirit of the voters, the election will certainly be successful, marking an important moment in the country's new development journey.

Our people have directly exercised their right to self-governance 15 times.

Immediately after the victory of the August Revolution in 1945, in order to build a democratic state, the first general election took place on January 6, 1946. Despite numerous difficulties, the people of Saigon actively participated in the election, defying repression from hostile forces. 42 election officials sacrificed their lives while on duty.

Over the past 80 years, the Vietnamese National Assembly has gone through 15 terms, during which our people have directly exercised their right to self-governance 15 times, through voting, choosing their representatives in the National Assembly - the highest organ of state power, exercising constitutional and legislative power, supreme oversight, and deciding on important issues of the country.

Binh Trung Ward (Ho Chi Minh City) organized a parade of decorated vehicles to promote the election day. PHOTO: CHI LOC

Since the 1946 Constitution, subsequent constitutions have been continuously refined, reflecting the country's development and the requirements of national governance in each period. To date, the National Assembly has enacted 567 laws and 236 ordinances, creating a legal foundation for almost all areas of social life.

In this new context, the 16th National Assembly faces very high demands: continuing to improve institutions, overcoming overlapping and conflicting legal regulations, and removing bottlenecks to create momentum for rapid and sustainable development.

Each election marks a stage in the country's development. This election is taking place at a time of significant historical importance. It involves shortening the transition period between terms of office to synchronize the terms of the Party Congress, the National Assembly, and the leadership of administrative and judicial bodies.

This is the term in which the country enters a new era – one that demands rapid and sustainable development in the context of increasingly fierce global competition. And this election of People's Council deputies is being conducted under a new model – a two-tiered local government system. The quality of each vote will significantly contribute to shaping the quality of the National Assembly and People's Council terms.

Creating momentum for powerful transformations.

With a sense of urgency and seriousness, the election process was led and directed closely and in accordance with the law. The role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front was clearly demonstrated in the election process and in building a socialist rule of law state. Personnel work – the most crucial aspect of the election – was conducted openly and transparently, ensuring harmonious representation of various sectors, social classes, ethnic groups, religions, genders, age groups, and regions.

The issue is that while it's necessary to elect a sufficient number and appropriate structure, quality must be the top priority. These must be individuals who meet the qualifications, possess the courage, intelligence, ethics, and character to represent the people in the highest power organs of the country and localities.

Through voter outreach events and information gathered through the media, voters appreciate the quality of the candidates and believe they will choose worthy individuals to elect. At these meetings, voters offer numerous suggestions and express their hopes that the candidates, once elected as representatives, will strive to fulfill their promises and effectively act as a bridge between the people and state authorities.

In Ho Chi Minh City, over the 10 terms of operation of the City People's Council since liberation, voters highly appreciate its innovative activities, its continuity and development, its responsibility to the people, and its decisions on important issues that have created conditions for the city to develop in line with its role as the economic locomotive and improve all aspects of people's lives. The City People's Council has strengthened its oversight activities and increased interaction with voters through programs such as "Speaking and Doing," "Dialogue with the City Government," "Listening and Exchanging," and "People Ask, Government Answers"...

The success of this election will not only be measured by voter turnout, but more importantly by the quality of performance of elected bodies in the new term, where the will and aspirations of the people are expressed through sound policies and practical actions, creating momentum for strong transformations in the next stage of the country's development.

From July 1st, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City has expanded its development space into an urban area with approximately 14 million inhabitants. In this election, voters will elect 125 representatives to the City People's Council, and in 168 wards, communes, and special zones, no more than 30 representatives will be elected to the People's Council in each area.

As election day approaches, voters in Ho Chi Minh City have high expectations for the development of the country and Ho Chi Minh City, especially for increased decentralization and delegation of power to ensure smooth, effective, and efficient operation of the two-tiered local government system.

PHAM PHUONG THAO

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gui-gam-ky-vong-ve-su-phat-trien-post842450.html