Improve the quality of candidates.

Despite extensive prior preparation, the Conference on the Implementation of the Election of Deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Deputies to People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, held on November 15th at the National Assembly building, can be considered the official start to a major political event for the country.

This is not only an administrative milestone marking the beginning of the electoral process, but also a time for Party and National Assembly leaders to clearly state a strong message about reform, tightening discipline, and improving the quality of personnel – key factors contributing to the success of the election in particular and a rule-of-law state of the people, by the people, and for the people in general.

The upcoming election takes place against the backdrop of our country actively streamlining its administrative apparatus and operating a two-tiered local government model with high demands for effectiveness and efficiency; the National Assembly is approaching the 80th anniversary of the first general election... These major changes in the country open up opportunities to establish new standards for elected representatives.

A series of new regulations have been issued, creating conditions for a more rigorous yet flexible election process. Notably, many timelines have been shortened. The steps for consultation, announcement of candidate lists, and handling complaints and denunciations have been adjusted accordingly to suit practical realities and avoid unnecessary delays. In particular, election campaigning methods have been diversified, allowing for online or hybrid in-person and online activities, aligning with the digitalization trends of modern life.

However, the most important and emphasized aspect was the quality of the candidates. The guidelines of the Central Organizing Committee, presented by Deputy Head of the Central Organizing Committee Hoang Dang Quang at the conference, set out a very clear and comprehensive set of criteria. Accordingly, candidates must have firm political ideology and character; be absolutely loyal to the interests of the Party, the State, and the people; resolutely fight to protect the ideological foundation of the Party and the Constitution and laws of the State. At the same time, they must possess impeccable moral character and an exemplary lifestyle...

In addition, candidates must be able to concretize the Party's guidelines and policies; implement the State's policies and laws; possess innovative thinking and vision; employ scientific working methods; and have the capacity for effective analysis, critical thinking, and policy proposal. In short, National Assembly and People's Council representatives must not only be ideologically sound but also professionally competent and intellectually sharp.

Such stringent criteria from the outset are particularly important: when the initial screening process is done well, voters are not put in a position of indecision or hesitation when choosing their representatives from a list that has been thoroughly vetted in terms of both character and talent. This affirms that the success of an election is not only measured by voter turnout or the election of the required number of representatives, but above all by the quality of the representatives. To achieve this goal, the organization of the election must be conducted rigorously, democratically, objectively, and transparently in every step and every aspect throughout the process. This must be coupled with the unanimous and positive response of nearly 100 million voters and people nationwide.

Each voter casting a ballot that selects "the right person for the right job" means they have exercised their civic rights and responsibilities. Only then will the election of representatives to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term truly become a "national festival," realizing the aspiration to build a strong and prosperous Vietnam; where the people are free, well-off, and happy.

ANH THU

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nang-chat-nhan-su-ung-cu-post823800.html