Votes from remote islands

Due to its unique geographical conditions, the Tho Chau Special Zone was permitted to hold elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term on March 8th, seven days earlier than the national election day. With thorough preparation and the consensus of the people, the election in this frontier area was conducted democratically, lawfully, and safely.

According to Tran Quoc Giang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tho Chau Special Zone and Vice Chairman of the Tho Chau Special Zone Election Committee, the people mainly live by fishing and often work far from home. To ensure that no voters are left out, the People's Committee of the Special Zone has directed the forces to coordinate closely, especially by leveraging the role of the police, hamlet leaders, and self-governing people's groups to go door-to-door and check every individual. Simultaneously, the local authorities have strengthened coordination with the Border Guard Post, the Coast Guard, and construction units on the island to compile a list of voters who are not local residents or have resided there for less than 12 months, thereby creating conditions for them to exercise their right to vote as prescribed by law. The posted list shows that the entire special zone has 2,182 voters participating in the election.

Voters cast their ballots at polling station number 5, Tho Chau Special Zone. Photo: LE TRUNG HIEU

Propaganda efforts were carried out continuously through various forms on the radio system, electronic information websites, social media, etc. The main roads of the Tho Chau Special Zone were brightly decorated with national flags, banners, and slogans. At each polling station, decorations were meticulously prepared; ballot boxes and polling rooms were conveniently arranged for voters to exercise their rights and civic duties. Security and order were strictly enforced.

Voter Vo Doan Khanh, residing in Bai Ngu hamlet, excitedly shared that for many days, the villagers had been eagerly awaiting the election day to directly choose outstanding representatives to voice the people's concerns. “Thanks to the attention of the Party, the State, and the local government, the lives of the people on the island have gradually improved. However, due to difficult transportation, living conditions and the education of our children still face many challenges. Therefore, voters hope that those elected will be a close bridge between the government and the people, so that our voices, thoughts, and aspirations are heard and addressed promptly,” Mr. Khanh expressed.

Due to the specific characteristics of the area, in addition to the four polling stations in residential areas, the Special Zone Election Committee also organized polling station No. 5 at Regiment 152 to facilitate the participation of voters who are officers and soldiers of the armed forces performing duties on the island. At the same time, polling station No. 5 also arranged for mobile ballot boxes to be brought to Hon Tu Island so that officers and soldiers on duty could exercise their rights and civic duties.

Captain Nguyen Huu Chau, Political Officer of Company 37, Regiment 152, Military Region 9, shared: “I believe that my choice is correct. I hope that the elected delegates will fulfill their roles and responsibilities, regularly listen to the thoughts and aspirations of voters, and propose policies for economic development linked to ensuring national defense and security, especially for the coastal and island areas.”

According to Mr. Tran Quoc Giang, despite the many difficulties in living conditions, the officers, soldiers, and people of the Tho Chau Special Zone all expressed joy and pride in participating in this national celebration. “For voters in this remote island area, each ballot not only represents their civic right but also conveys their trust and expectations in practical policies. These expectations include policies for developing the marine economy , improving the quality of healthcare and education, enhancing the living environment, ensuring logistical support for the fishing industry, providing technical support for aquaculture, and better caring for the lives of the military and civilians on the island,” Mr. Giang said.

At 2:30 PM on March 8th, the organization of the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term in the Tho Chau Special Economic Zone was completed, with 100% voter turnout. On March 9th, the Tho Chau Special Economic Zone Election Committee completed the handover of election-related documents and records to the Provincial Election Committee.

LE TRUNG HIEU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nhung-la-phieu-noi-dao-xa-a478966.html