Constitutional amendments: Avoid making the process merely a formality due to time pressure.

This constitutional amendment process needs to follow the constitutional procedures and processes; it must not only ensure timely progress but also respect democratic and transparent procedures, avoiding formality or doing it under time pressure.

VietNamNet•14/05/2025

This morning, the National Assembly held a plenary session in the assembly hall to discuss the draft Resolution of the National Assembly amending and supplementing a number of articles of the 2013 Constitution.

This is an important step in promptly institutionalizing the Party's policy on continuing to innovate and streamline the organizational structure of the political system for greater efficiency; creating a constitutional basis for perfecting the two-tiered model of local government organization.

Affirming the central role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in the national unity bloc.

Speaking with VietNamNet, delegate Hoang Minh Hieu ( Nghe An province) - a full-time member of the Committee on Law and Justice - emphasized that the amendments and additions to the 2013 Constitution all demonstrate profound democratic principles. First and foremost, they affirm the central role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in the national unity bloc, representing all social strata, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

This revised orientation aims to strengthen the guarantee of the people's right to self-governance, creating conditions for the Vietnam Fatherland Front to more effectively monitor and provide social feedback.

Today, the National Assembly will discuss in the plenary session the draft Resolution of the National Assembly amending and supplementing a number of articles of the 2013 Constitution.

The amendments and additions aimed at streamlining the apparatus also help reduce overlapping functions and responsibilities, thereby improving the effectiveness of representation and enabling state agencies to focus resources, be closer to the people, and serve them better.

Regarding practicality, according to Mr. Hieu, the proposed amendments and additions are intended to directly address current practical issues. Specifically, they aim to clarify the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and streamline political and social organizations to overcome overlapping functions and improve coordination within the national unity bloc.

“The proposal to transform the local government model from three levels to two is a groundbreaking solution to reduce intermediate layers, save budget, and increase flexibility in management. These changes are not only in line with the requirements of state apparatus reform but also meet the context of international integration, as Vietnam needs a streamlined and efficient state apparatus to compete and develop sustainably,” Mr. Hieu affirmed.

Gathering feedback through VneID expands opportunities for all segments of the population to contribute their opinions.

According to the representative from Nghe An province, a special feature of this constitutional amendment and supplement is the requirement to complete the amendments and supplements within a relatively short period, with the goal of finishing on schedule by the end of June.

"This is a significant challenge, requiring us to be highly focused, selective, and steadfast in our principle of only addressing truly urgent issues that directly impact the removal of institutional bottlenecks and serve the goal of restructuring and reorganizing the apparatus."

According to him, a particularly important requirement is to strictly adhere to constitutional procedures and processes. Unlike previous amendments, the 2013 Constitution for the first time specifically outlines the steps in the constitutional amendment process, from proposing, soliciting opinions, incorporating feedback, revising, to discussion and adoption in the National Assembly.

This places a significant responsibility on each participating agency, not only to ensure progress but also to respect democratic and transparent processes, avoiding formality or working under time pressure.

According to delegate Hoang Minh Hieu, the amendments and additions to the 2013 Constitution all demonstrate profound democratic principles. Photo: Hoang Ha

Public consultations continue to be widely implemented, both directly and indirectly. A highlight this time is the application of modern information technology, including the use of the VneID application for collecting opinions.

According to him, this is an important step forward because VNeID is a popular and accessible platform that allows all citizens, from urban to rural areas, to conveniently participate and contribute their opinions.

"This not only ensures democracy but also expands opportunities for all segments of the population to express their views, especially those in remote areas, making it easier for people to participate and contribute their opinions anywhere, anytime," the representative from Nghe An province emphasized.

Furthermore, because the Constitution is the highest legal document, containing many general and abstract contents requiring high expertise, clear, concise, and easily accessible explanatory documents are needed to enable citizens to easily understand and contribute effectively.

"For example, these documents could be compiled in a question-and-answer format, with illustrations to help people grasp the revised content without feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, more in-person forums should be organized locally, combined with online channels, to listen to opinions from various population groups, from farmers and workers to intellectuals," the delegate analyzed.

In addition, it is necessary to organize explanations, fully incorporate feedback, provide responses grouped by issue, and make this information public.

"When people feel their voices are truly heard and they receive timely responses, the Constitution will truly reflect the will and aspirations of the people," Mr. Hieu said.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/sua-doi-hien-phap-tranh-vi-suc-ep-thoi-gian-ma-lam-hinh-thuc-2400778.html