"Every vote is a choice about the future development of the country."

“The selection of the right and elected National Assembly representatives is of decisive importance to the quality of operation of the highest state power organ (…). Therefore, each vote is not just the choice of a person, but the choice of the future development of the country for the entire 5-year term and beyond.”

“The selection of the right and elected National Assembly representatives is of decisive importance to the quality of operation of the highest state power organ (…). Therefore, each vote is not just the choice of a person, but the choice of the future development of the country for the entire 5-year term and beyond.”

This was shared by Ms. Ta Thi Yen, Deputy Chair of the National Assembly's Committee on Delegate Affairs and Deputy Head of the Standing Office of the National Election Council, with a reporter from VietnamPlus Online Newspaper.

DELEGATES NEED TO POSSESS THE COMPLETE RANKING OF HEART, VISION, INTELLECT, TRUST, AND RESPONSIBILITY.

- Madam, in just a few days, the national election day will take place when voters across the country will cast their ballots to elect representatives to the National Assembly. Could you explain the crucial role and significance of selecting the right and outstanding individuals to serve as National Assembly representatives in the quality of the National Assembly's work?

Ms. Ta Thi Yen: The National Assembly election day is a particularly important political event for the country, a great festival for the entire nation, where state power - in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution - belongs to the people and is exercised by the people through their votes.

The selection of the right and most qualified National Assembly representatives is crucial to the quality of the work of the highest state power organ. The National Assembly performs three basic constitutional functions: constitutional and legislative drafting; deciding on important national issues; and supreme oversight of all state activities. Every policy adopted and every law enacted has a profound impact on socio -economic life and the rights and obligations of citizens.

If the representatives possess sufficient qualities, competence, qualifications, and courage, then the parliament will truly be a place where wisdom is distilled, where democratic debate takes place, and where correct policies are refined for the benefit of the nation and its people. Conversely, if the wrong choices are made, the quality of legislation and oversight will be affected.

Therefore, each vote is not just the choice of a person, but the choice of the country's future development for the entire 5-year term and beyond.

- The country is entering a new era, an era of national progress with many new tasks, requirements, goals, and challenges. In your opinion, what new requirements must the new National Assembly delegates meet compared to the past, and why?

Ms. Ta Thi Yen: Our country is entering a stage of development with many intertwined opportunities and challenges: transforming the growth model, innovation, national digital transformation, perfecting the socialist-oriented market economy institutions, and ensuring national defense and security in a complex international context.

That context placed higher demands on the members of the 16th National Assembly.

Candidates for the People's Council listen to and prepare to answer questions at a meeting with voters in Long Bien ward, Hanoi. (Photo:   Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

Firstly, delegates must possess strategic thinking and policy-making capabilities, a deep understanding of long-term development issues, and not just focus on immediate situations. Central Organization Committee's Guidance No. 36 on personnel work for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term also clearly outlines standards for elected delegates, including standards for innovative thinking; the ability to think, analyze, synthesize, and propose feasible and effective policies and laws...

Secondly, representatives must possess higher professional expertise and legislative skills, as there is a need to build a comprehensive, stable, yet flexible legal system that meets the demands of international integration. Resolution No. 66 on reforming the work of lawmaking and enforcement to meet the requirements of national development in the new era clearly states that the work of lawmaking and enforcement is a "breakthrough of breakthroughs" in perfecting the institutional framework for national development.

Therefore, for elected candidates, who are future lawmakers and policymakers, the urgent need to innovate thinking in building and perfecting legal institutions, removing bottlenecks, unlocking resources, promoting development, and leading the country into a new era is crucial in the current context.

Thirdly, representatives must possess strong oversight skills and a high sense of responsibility, daring to question, daring to offer counterarguments, and daring to pursue issues of concern to voters to the very end.

Fourth, representatives must be able to connect with, listen to, and convey the voice of the people, because the National Assembly is first and foremost the body representing the will and aspirations of the people.

In other words, the delegates of the new term need to possess the full range of qualities—heart, vision, intellect, trustworthiness, and responsibility—to meet the requirements of national development in the new era.

A RELIABLE BRIDGE

BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

- Given those requirements, how thorough has the election preparation been this year to select outstanding individuals to represent the new National Assembly, and what are the differences compared to previous years, Madam?

Ms. Ta Thi Yen: The election preparation work has been implemented comprehensively and systematically, strictly adhering to the regulations of the law and the leadership of the Party.

The consultation process was conducted in multiple rounds, ensuring democracy, openness, and transparency. The process of gathering opinions from voters in their places of residence and work was conducted in a substantive manner, accurately reflecting the level of public trust in the candidates.

Compared to previous terms, several key points stand out, such as higher requirements for political standards, moral character, and practical competence of candidates; increased application of information technology in voter registration management, record keeping, data compilation, propaganda, and election administration. Election preparations place greater emphasis on the quality of the delegate structure, ensuring harmonious representation across social classes, regions, genders, and ethnic groups.

The list of voters and candidates is publicly posted in the communal house of each village for people to see. (Photo: Du Toan/VNA)

The structure of delegates for research institutes, universities, and academies, as well as for businesses, associations, and trade unions in the production and business sector, has increased to 10 delegates, compared to 6-7 delegates in the previous term. The proportion of National Assembly delegates who are scientists has been raised to 3-5% of the total number of delegates to ensure a high degree of specialization. The proportion of full-time National Assembly delegates has also increased to at least 40% to enhance professionalism in the National Assembly's activities.

The list of candidates shows a large number of young applicants, with 21.64% under 40 years old and 44.44% between 40 and 50 years old; the proportion of candidates with postgraduate qualifications is 68.63%, those with university degrees account for 30.21%, and those with less than a university degree is 1.16%.

All of this is aimed at the ultimate goal of ensuring a truly democratic, equal, and lawful election, and selecting the most outstanding individuals.

But   Could you tell us what activities the National Assembly has undertaken recently to support, train, and improve the quality of its members, especially those newly elected? Given the new requirements of the 16th National Assembly, how are these training and capacity-building activities for National Assembly members expected to be implemented?

Ms. Ta Thi Yen: During the past term, special attention was paid to the training of delegates. Immediately after being elected, delegates participated in training courses on legislative skills, supervision, voter outreach, discussion skills, and questioning skills.

The National Assembly's agencies are strengthening the provision of in-depth information and research materials; and innovating methods to support deputies in policy analysis and legislative impact assessment.

For the 16th term, the training programs are expected to be designed with a more in-depth focus on modern legislative skills and policy evaluation; enhanced training in digital transformation, data and information utilization skills; and improved parliamentary communication skills and accountability to constituents.

The goal is to build a team of delegates that is increasingly professional and modern, commensurate with the demands of reforming the National Assembly's operations.

- In your opinion, what are the key tasks of the 16th National Assembly? What are your expectations for the newly elected National Assembly members to effectively carry out those tasks?

"

Each representative needs to be a truly reliable bridge between the people and the National Assembly; a voice of honesty and responsibility in the parliamentary arena.”

Ms. Ta Thi Yen
Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Delegate Affairs, Deputy Chief of the Standing Office of the National Election Council

Ms. Ta Thi Yen: The 16th National Assembly will have to continue to improve the institutional framework for national development; enhance the quality of the legal system; strengthen supervision of the implementation of socio-economic development strategies; and promote reforms to make the state apparatus more streamlined, effective, and efficient.

I expect that the newly elected National Assembly delegates will always prioritize the national interest and the rights of the people; continuously cultivate their political acumen and improve their professional skills; dare to think, dare to speak, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility.

Each delegate should truly be a reliable bridge between the people and the National Assembly; a voice of honesty and responsibility in the parliamentary arena; and contribute to building an increasingly democratic, professional, and effective National Assembly.

Thank you very much, ma'am!

(Source: Doan Tan/VNA)

Source: https://mega.vietnamplus.vn/moi-la-phieu-la-su-lua-chon-tuong-lai-phat-trien-cua-dat-nuoc-6920.html