Choices to kick off a new term

Today, March 15th, from mountainous regions to plains, from border areas to islands, nearly 79 million voters nationwide enthusiastically cast their ballots to elect representatives to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.

Voters in Truong Sa eagerly hold their voter cards in hand as they arrive at the polling station. Photo: VNA.

This is a great national celebration, where the people's right to self-governance is expressed directly, vividly, and solemnly. The election is taking place in a new context, with many unique characteristics and innovations, especially the widespread application of digital transformation, promising to select truly outstanding representatives worthy of the voters' trust.

The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is taking place in a very special context. To enter a new era with a prosperous people and a strong nation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world's leading powers, the country is continuing to accelerate comprehensive and synchronized reforms. The government apparatus has been restructured according to a new model, and the demands for rapid and sustainable development have placed higher and more specific tasks on the country. Therefore, each vote today is not just a personal choice, but also represents the responsibility and expectations of the people towards the new state apparatus.

The greatest significance of election day is to promote the people's right to self-governance. Elections allow the people to choose those who will represent them in governing the country and its people. Choosing the right representatives—those who are virtuous, talented, dedicated, visionary, and willing to think, act, and take responsibility before the voters—will improve the quality of the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the state apparatus over the next five years.

The head of Polling Station No. 5 in Quy Mong commune ( Lao Cai province) introduces the candidates so that the people can understand and be aware of them. Photo: Dinh Thuy/TTXVN

This election has very distinct characteristics. The consolidation of administrative boundaries of several provinces and cities nationwide and the implementation of a two-tiered local government model, along with the requirement for a streamlined and efficient apparatus, have posed new challenges for election organization. Emphasizing this, the Chairman of the National Assembly and Chairman of the National Election Council, Tran Thanh Man, requested a thorough review of specific voter groups, ensuring that no citizen's right to vote is overlooked, and stressed the need for "care in even the smallest details, avoiding minor errors that could lead to major problems." This is not only a technical requirement but also a political one, demonstrating absolute respect for the people's right to self-governance.

A notable new feature of this election is the first-ever widespread and synchronized application of digital transformation from the central to the local level. The creation, review, and management of voter lists; candidate profiles; and reporting of election progress and results are all carried out on digital platforms, linked to the National Population Database and the VNeID application. To date, commune and ward-level units (except for the Hoang Sa Special Zone) have applied the software to create voter lists, managing nearly 79 million eligible voters. Digital transformation not only makes the election process more accurate and transparent but also contributes to the modernization of national governance and provides practical convenience for voters.

Student voters use the VNeID voting function for the 16th National Assembly to view their polling station. Photo: Thanh Tung/TTXVN.

The requirement to elect a sufficient number and improve the quality of delegates has been prioritized. Following the Politburo's guidelines, the 16th National Assembly is expected to have 145 full-time delegates at the central level and 55 full-time delegates at the local level. Of the 864 official candidates – including 5 self-nominated candidates – in 182 constituencies to elect 500 National Assembly delegates, the structure and composition have been carefully prepared, ensuring the reasonable participation of women, ethnic minorities, young delegates, intellectuals, scientists, artists, workers, farmers, and businesspeople… This clearly demonstrates the determination to build a truly exemplary National Assembly that represents the great national unity.

Security, order, information, and propaganda work were implemented synchronously and rigorously. Plans for protecting the election, information technology systems, and cyberspace were prepared in advance. Political security and social order were maintained; complaints and denunciations decreased, and no complex incidents occurred. Propaganda work was conducted in a diverse and flexible manner, combining traditional methods and digital platforms, helping voters understand the significance of the election, grasp information about candidates, and thus make informed choices.

The practical experience of election preparations in localities shows the serious and systematic involvement of the entire political system. In Hanoi, a comprehensive system of guiding documents was developed, with clear assignment of tasks according to the motto "clear person, clear task, clear time, clear responsibility". The city proactively completed tasks ahead of the legally stipulated deadline, deployed election management software down to the commune level, and organized large-scale online conferences with more than 18,000 delegates participating, creating a high level of consensus from the city to the grassroots.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the election process was implemented synchronously and according to procedures, ensuring democracy and transparency. The city completed the announcement of the list of candidates, organized voter outreach, intensified propaganda, and proactively organized early elections in some special areas to ensure the voting rights of voters in units performing special duties. All were carried out in accordance with the directives of the National Election Council.

In Da Nang, with approximately 2.18 million voters and 1,784 polling stations, preparations are proceeding on schedule, with a focus on mountainous, border, and special-regional areas. The city has completed consultations, announced the list of candidates, organized regular training sessions, and promoted the application of science and technology, ready for election day to truly become a festival for all citizens.

The polling station in O Dien commune (Hanoi) was prepared solemnly, with complete polling booths, ballot boxes, and other facilities to serve voters. Photo: Van Diep/TTXVN

Today's election also marks the beginning of the process of consolidating the state apparatus for the new term. General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the success of the election will create an important starting point for building and consolidating the state apparatus, creating a solid political and social foundation for the successful implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party.

That is a great belief, but also a great responsibility placed on the shoulders of each voter when they hold a ballot in their hand!

Today, every eligible citizen, exercising their sacred right and duty, will choose representatives of the people's will and aspirations to the highest state power organs and to local state power organs. As voters hold their ballots in a solemn yet intimate atmosphere, the nation enters a moment of profound significance. It is a national celebration. And this celebration is not only measured by the number of voters who turn out, but also by the faith, enthusiasm, and sense of responsibility of the entire population towards the future of the country.

Therefore, March 15, 2026 is not just a date, but a profound socio-political milestone. When voters nationwide make a wise and decisive choice, and when the organization of the election is conducted meticulously, transparently, and in accordance with the law, we are confident that the election will be a resounding success, meeting the requirements of national construction and defense in the new era.

Today marks the beginning of a new phase of national development, starting with the people's trust.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/lua-chon-mo-dau-nhiem-ky-moi-20260315051108846.htm