A place where the Party's will, the people's aspirations, and the nation's desire for progress converge.

VHO - From the historic ballot of Spring 1946 to the solemn Dien Hong Hall today, the Vietnamese National Assembly has accompanied the nation on every stage of its revolution over eight decades.

Overview of the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first general election to elect the National Assembly of Vietnam (January 6, 1946 – January 6, 2026)

At the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first General Election, the important speeches of General Secretary To Lam and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man not only recalled a historical milestone but also conveyed a powerful message about the future: the National Assembly continues to be the center of the nation's political and legal life, the place where the Party's will and the people's aspirations are embodied, and the institutional pillar that will lead Vietnam steadily into a new era of development.

In the atmosphere leading up to the 14th National Congress of the Party, General Secretary To Lam recalled the historic moment of 1946 as a meaningful beginning. He said that commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first General Election is not only an opportunity to "revisit a momentous historical event," but more importantly, to "look back on the formation and development of Vietnam's revolutionary democracy... while affirming the political determination... to lead the country to rapid and sustainable development in the new era."

January 6, 1946, was not just a vote, but the birth of a modern democracy in Vietnam. For the first time, people aged 18 and above, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, social class, or political views, directly chose their representatives. The 89% voter turnout in a country still in turmoil demonstrated the immense faith the people placed in their ballots.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that it was a "glorious milestone... affirming the great truth: State power belongs to the people." Along with that, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also affirmed: "January 6, 1946, is a glorious milestone that opened a new period of development for the Vietnamese nation... and was the first democratic state in Southeast Asia." Here, we clearly see the core of modern Vietnamese political culture: Democracy is not just an institution, but a cultural value, a belief, and a moral principle.

Thanks to that vote, the Vietnamese people rose from a state of slavery to become subjects of power. And from then on, the National Assembly was not only formed legally, but also nurtured by the feelings, responsibilities, and sacred mandate of the people.

General Secretary To Lam affirmed: “Having accompanied the nation for 80 years, the Vietnamese National Assembly… has affirmed its role as the center of national political and legal life.” Those eighty years represent a journey of building and perfecting the socialist rule of law in Vietnam, with the National Assembly playing a core role. From the First National Assembly with the 1946 Constitution to the present day, the National Assembly has promulgated five Constitutions, each marking a step forward in the country's development. In particular, recent amendments have constitutionally established a two-tiered, more streamlined and effective local government model, which is not only an institutional reform but also a manifestation of a modern governance culture.

Today's National Assembly not only makes laws but also takes a proactive approach in institutional reform. This was emphasized by the General Secretary when he stated that the National Assembly must: innovate legislative thinking towards a constructive approach, strongly apply digital technology and artificial intelligence, and ensure that the law becomes a driving force for development. Along with legislation, supreme oversight is increasingly deepening, focusing on major, sensitive issues closely related to the lives of the people. The National Assembly has been and is building a culture of oversight for progress, not only to identify shortcomings but also to promote innovation. In foreign relations, the National Assembly has become a pillar of Vietnamese diplomacy, contributing to building the image of "Vietnam as a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community."

Most notably, throughout its 80-year journey, as the General Secretary affirmed: "The National Assembly has always been closely connected with the people, listening to their voices... worthy of being the highest representative body of the people, the highest organ of state power." Therefore, the culture of the National Assembly is not only found in meeting rooms, but is also present in every interaction with constituents, every petition, every dialogue... where the people's right to self-governance is respected and listened to.

From the vision of Vietnam becoming a developed nation by 2045, General Secretary To Lam emphasized a frank and responsible message: "Without breakthroughs in institutions and laws; without a National Assembly that is courageous, intelligent, decisive in action, and highly responsible, these lofty goals are unlikely to become a reality." Therefore, the General Secretary proposed that the National Assembly continue to innovate in five major areas, from improving the quality of legislation, supervision, and decision-making to modernizing the organization and promoting parliamentary diplomacy. The overarching focus remains: the National Assembly must place the national interest, the interests of the people, and the happiness of the nation above all else.

At a deeper cultural level, this serves as a reminder of the character and integrity of National Assembly representatives. They must be individuals who "dare to think, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility," representing intellect, morality, and a spirit of service. Once again, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, on behalf of the National Assembly, pledged to build a "National Assembly of the people, by the people, and for the people… a vibrant embodiment of the socialist rule of law." This is not only a political task but also a cultural commitment to history.

And as we prepare to enter the 14th National Congress of the Party, these messages become even more significant in guiding our direction: Institutional reform, modernization of national governance, promotion of democracy, strengthening social trust, and awakening the aspirations of the Vietnamese nation to rise. With the Party's wise will, the people's consensus, and a capable, intelligent, and humane National Assembly, we have the right to believe that the road ahead will be wide open. And it is in the National Assembly, where the nation's wisdom converges, that Vietnam's aspirations to reach 2045 will continue to be nurtured, spread, and transformed into reality.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/chinh-polit/noi-hoi-tu-y-dang-long-dan-va-khat-vong-vuon-minh-cua-dan-toc-195621.html