Hanoi: The election atmosphere is solemn and enthusiastic.

This morning, March 15th, along with voters nationwide, over 6 million voters in Hanoi began the election day for representatives to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. Reporters observed that from the city center to the remote suburban areas, the atmosphere of this "National Election Day" was solemn and enthusiastic.

Báo Sài Gòn Giải phóng•15/03/2026

At the National Historical Monument No. 48 Hang Ngang Street (in Hoan Kiem Ward), where more than 80 years ago President Ho Chi Minh wrote the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the atmosphere of the election on the morning of March 15th was more solemn and sacred than ever before.

Representatives of the Hoan Kiem ward government affix seals to ballot boxes before the election at polling station No. 22, National Historical Monument No. 48 Hang Ngang Street. Photo: QUOC KHANH

Voters in Hoan Kiem ward attend the opening ceremony at polling station No. 22, National Historical Monument No. 48 Hang Ngang Street. Photo: QUOC KHANH

Mr. Tran Sinh (born in 1939), a veteran police officer of Hanoi City, shared: "Standing here, in the historic building at 48 Hang Ngang Street, I feel as if I am reliving the heroic spirit of those autumn days of August 1945. As a soldier, I understand the value of independence and freedom. Each vote today is not only a responsibility, but also a promise from our generation to our fathers and to Uncle Ho, that we will choose people with sufficient virtue and talent to uphold discipline and develop the country."

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Mr. Tran Sinh completed his voting at polling station number 22, National Historical Monument No. 48 Hang Ngang Street. Photo: QUOC KHANH

Sharing that same sense of pride, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Lai, a veteran of the 307th Division, expressed great expectations for the new term. Having experienced the war years, Mr. Lai believes: "We hope that the elected representatives will truly be the voice of the people. Especially regarding social welfare policies, caring for those who have rendered meritorious service, and building a strong foundation of public support in the new situation."

Veteran Nguyen Xuan Lai in Hoan Kiem ward. Clip: QUOC KHANH

The joy of two veterans after completing their voting at polling station number 22, National Historical Monument No. 48 Hang Ngang Street. Photo: QUOC KHANH

The festive atmosphere of "National Election Day" extended beyond the center of Hanoi to Minh Chau commune – the capital's only island commune located in the middle of the Red River. From early morning, nearly 5,000 voters flocked to the polling stations.

Polling station number 3 in Minh Chau island commune is adorned with flags and flowers. Photo: MINH THU

Delegates participate in the flag-raising ceremony before voting at polling station number 3, Minh Chau island commune. Photo: MINH THU

At polling station number 3, Mr. Nguyen Tai Tho (61 years old, Chu Chau village) excitedly shared: "Witnessing Minh Chau transforming day by day, from a difficult island commune to a shining example of new rural development, I feel very proud. I'm voting not only for myself, but also for my children and grandchildren. We hope that the new delegates will pay more attention to transportation infrastructure connecting the island commune and sustainable economic development policies, so that Minh Chau can truly be green, civilized, and happy."

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Mr. Nguyen Duc Tien, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Minh Chau commune, casts his vote at polling station number 3. Photo: MINH THU

Elderly voters in Minh Chau commune cast their ballots. Photo: MINH THU

Hanoi has over 6 million voters and 1,451 polling stations across 126 commune and ward administrative units. According to the plan, Hanoi will elect 32 National Assembly representatives, 124 Hanoi City People's Council representatives, and over 3,160 commune and ward-level People's Council representatives.

NGUYEN QUOC-MINH THU

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ha-noi-khong-khi-bau-cu-trang-trong-phan-khoi-post842966.html