These ballots convey a desire for cultural revival.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere of voters nationwide casting their ballots for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, polling station No. 23 in Phu Dien ward, Hanoi, holds a special significance. This is because it brings together a large number of artists, cultural officials, and young people pursuing their artistic passions.

"All for the sake of national celebration"

Polling station number 23, Phu Dien ward, is located in the Mai Dich Cultural and Arts Area, where a large number of voters are artists, officials, employees of the culture and arts sector, and students from the Hanoi University of Theatre and Film; the Vietnam Academy of Dance; and the Vietnam Circus and Variety Arts College.

Mr. Nguyen Nang Hung, Head of Polling Station No. 23, shared: “Throughout this period, the people and voters in this area have been eagerly awaiting the election. Thanks to the close guidance of leaders at all levels, from the city to the ward, our polling station members have received thorough training, understand the procedures, and have done a good job of preparation. Not only the polling station, but also the voters themselves – artists and art schools – have actively and proactively organized activities to promote and publicize the election through artistic forms according to their respective fields. All for the sake of this national celebration.”

Dr. Nguyen Thuy Nga, Director of the Vietnam Academy of Dance, exercises her right to vote at Polling Station No. 23, Phu Dien Ward, Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

For many veteran artists and cultural figures, this election holds significant meaning in the context of the Party and State striving to realize the goal of revitalizing and developing Vietnamese culture. People's Artist Ha Manh Trung, former Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre, said that in recent days, he and many voters have discussed the matter together. “I and some fellow artists have pondered this deeply, even relying on media outlets to research the statements and activities of the candidates in order to choose representatives with extensive experience, talent, virtue, and the courage to speak and act. When they become representatives, I hope their voices will contribute to strongly promoting the development of the Vietnamese opera and ballet industry.”

"Ms. Xúy Vân" of the traditional Vietnamese opera scene, People's Artist Thanh Hoài, doesn't remember how many times she's cast her vote, but each time she prepares with a different mindset, connected to the new path of the country and the national culture and arts. "I entrust my vote today with the belief that culture and arts will change thanks to young people's thinking, knowing how to renew traditions while still preserving the national soul."

People's Artist Thanh Hoài finished voting early. Photo: Ngọc Phương

Meanwhile, Dr. Nguyen Thuy Nga, Director of the Vietnam Academy of Dance, carries the hope of concretizing Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo. Emphasizing that culture is an inherent strength, she suggested that the elected delegates should soon propose the issuance of specific policies for art training, including dance training. Sharing the same sentiment, choreographer Nguyen Hai Truong expressed his belief in the next five years. He hopes that those he trusts, once elected, will raise their voices in parliament so that culture is truly placed on par with economics and politics. “Among the candidates in electoral district 23, there are also people working in the field of culture and arts. I hope that the representatives of this field will contribute their pioneering voices in the elected forum, so that the arts sector can overcome internal difficulties and make breakthrough progress.”

The Voice of Youth - Aspiration for Art to Reach New Heights

For voters pursuing artistic careers, experiencing this national election for the first time filled them with excitement, pride, and aspiration. Two of the young voters at polling station number 23, Pham Quoc Van – a student at the Vietnam National Academy of Music – and Le Thi Tu – a student at the Hanoi University of Theatre and Film – arrived very early to exercise their civic rights and responsibilities. This was their first time voting, and they couldn't hide their excitement and pride. “I feel elated, even more patriotic, and a sense of belonging to the special atmosphere shared by people from all over the country,” Pham Quoc Van said emotionally.

Art students after fulfilling their civic duties. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

Commenting on the criteria for selecting representatives, Pham Quoc Van expressed: "Each delegate must be a patriot, love the people, work for the people, and be wholeheartedly dedicated to their work." Through his vote, the jazz music student from the Vietnam National Academy of Music also clearly saw the responsibility of young people to contribute to the future of the country. "I hope that the delegates will make decisions to promote the cultural and artistic movement, pay more attention to young people in music, and bring a fresh breeze to the country's music scene."

As for Le Thi Tu, a final-year student majoring in Film Screenwriting at the Hanoi University of Theatre and Film, at the age of 23, she officially exercised her right to vote for the first time. “Five years ago, I was only a few months short of being old enough to vote. This first election, I feel a little nervous and anxious, but also very honored and proud, like I'm contributing to building the country. As an arts student, I chose candidates with a vision for culture in general and art in particular, hoping they will have a voice to contribute to the development of Vietnam's cultural industry.”

Chu Tuan Thanh, from the Vietnam Circus and Variety Arts Vocational School, shared his thoughts: “Today’s election, tomorrow’s future. I hope that the delegates in the next term will help the cultural and artistic sector develop, including circus – an art form with many unique characteristics and difficulties – to receive attention and be given space for development.”

It is clear that the artist-voters understand that for art to flourish, it needs a solid foundation built on macro-level policy decisions. Each vote cast today represents a trust placed in the representatives who will realize this legitimate aspiration.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/nhung-la-phieu-gui-gam-mong-muan-chan-hung-van-hoa-10410137.html