Voices from the voters

Today (March 15th), along with the rest of the country, over 2.4 million voters in Dak Lak province joyfully cast their ballots for representatives to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. In the vibrant atmosphere of this national election day, each person carries different feelings and emotions, but all hope to elect worthy representatives. Dak Lak Newspaper and Radio & Television recorded the opinions of the voters.

In the jubilant atmosphere of this national election day, each person has a different mindset and emotion, but all hope to elect worthy representatives. Dak Lak Newspaper and Radio & Television recorded the opinions of the voters.

Understanding is key to making the right choice.

At the age of 82, Mr. Truong Tan Loc (An Nien neighborhood, Tuy Hoa ward), despite his advanced age, always tries to participate whenever the local authorities organize important activities related to citizens' rights and responsibilities. According to Mr. Loc, he has voted many times, but this election is particularly significant as the local government has just transitioned to a two-tiered model.

Mr. Truong Tan Loc.

“I can still walk, so I will go and cast my vote myself. That is the right and also the responsibility of every citizen,” Mr. Loc said with a gentle smile. The image of the 82-year-old man going to the polling station not only demonstrates the sense of responsibility and civic consciousness of the elderly but also spreads the belief and concern of the people for important political activities of the country.

The expectations of village elder Ma Niệm

In his traditional stilt house in Xi Thoai village (Xuan Lanh commune), village elder Ma Niem carefully smooths out his newly received voter card. Despite being 73 years old, with failing eyesight and declining health, he remains full of enthusiasm. Beforehand, he spent time carefully studying the list and biographies of the candidates posted at the village cultural center. He said, "I have to read carefully, understand each person's intentions deeply, so that when I pick up my pen to cast my vote, I won't have any regrets."

Elder Ma Niệm.

With the prestige of an exemplary village elder, Ma Niệm became the most exceptional "propagandist" in Xí Thoại. Without the need for loud loudspeakers, he chose to chat with villagers near the community center or right in the fields, reminding families to arrange their farming work so they could vote on time; absolutely no proxy voting, because each ballot is a personal responsibility. He also advised the young voters in the village, those casting their ballots for the first time, to understand the value of their choice.

The art of "Double Drums, Triple Gongs, Five Cymbals" of the Cham and Ba Na people in Xi Thoai village has now become a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, but the worry about its disappearance still weighs heavily on the heart of village elder Ma Niem. Therefore, he hopes that those who represent the people will be people who love traditional culture and know how to listen to the breath of the forest. With his vote, he is particularly interested in candidates who are dedicated to preserving the national cultural identity.

Holding a ballot for the first time and the message of young people.

For voter Huynh Thi Huyen Tran, a student at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tay Nguyen University, this is her first time participating in an election. Tran said that holding a ballot in her hand for the first time in her life, she felt proud and a little nervous. For her, this is the moment she became aware of the value of her civic rights.

Voter Huynh Thi Huyen Tran.

To prepare for this important event, Tran spent time researching the lists, biographies, and especially the action programs of candidates for the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels. She didn't choose based on emotion but proactively sought information through bulletin boards at school and various media outlets.

"With the spirit of youth at Tay Nguyen University, I see voting as a commitment of responsibility: We, the young generation, will not only wait for policies, but will always stand alongside the delegates to build a prosperous and strong country and homeland, starting with the right choices on each ballot today," Huyen Tran expressed.

A milestone in the journey of rebuilding life.

In early March 2026, after serving an 18-month prison sentence at A2 Prison in Khanh Hoa province, Mr. LVS (born in 1985, residing in residential area 10, Thanh Cong ward, Buon Ma Thuot city) returned to his hometown. Immediately after reintegrating into the community, Mr. S. received attention, encouragement, and guidance from the local authorities, police force, and various organizations in obtaining personal identification documents and completing necessary procedures to stabilize his life.

Mr. LVS

The election committee came to his house to distribute voter ballots and remind him to vote. For Mr. S., the ballot on election day is not only a civic right but also an acknowledgment from the community, a reminder of his responsibility to society. He said he had researched the candidates through the media and hoped that the elected representatives would pay more attention to policies supporting reintegration into the community, creating opportunities for those who, like him, had made mistakes in the past to rebuild their lives.

"Given the opportunity and the trust of society, we will strive to live good and honest lives so as not to betray that trust," Mr. S expressed.

Reporters (compiled)

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/chinh-polit/Bau-cu-DBQH-va-dai-bieu-HDND-cac-cap/202603/tieng-noi-tu-cu-tri-b4f4209/