Responsibility and trust

The general election to elect representatives to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term has concluded. From mountainous and border regions to remote islands, from urban areas to deep villages, the image of voters enthusiastically casting their ballots has become a vivid symbol of the people's right to self-governance.

Voters in A'ur village, Avuong commune ( Da Nang ) were welcomed and guided on how to exercise their right to vote. (Photo: Da Nang City Election Committee)

According to information from the Office of the National Election Council, as of 11 PM on March 15, 2026, the total voter turnout nationwide reached 99.68%; all 34 provinces and cities had a voter turnout rate of over 99%. These figures reflect the widespread participation of voters and demonstrate the sense of responsibility of each citizen towards the destiny of the country.

On media and social networks, it's not difficult to find touching images: supplementary ballot boxes being brought to the homes of elderly and vulnerable voters; the warm and thoughtful welcome of election committee members to voters coming to cast their ballots...

The election was recognized by many international news agencies and newspapers as an important political event, demonstrating the stability of Vietnam's political system. Numerous articles praised the meticulous preparation for the election, from the consultation process and candidate nominations to ensuring security and order at polling stations.

The Nikkei newspaper (Japan) expressed its admiration for Vietnam's well-organized propaganda efforts, which help voters understand their rights and responsibilities; and acknowledged the role of elections in promoting people's participation in political life.

However, despite this reality, some extremist individuals and organizations still deliberately spread distorted and false information about the election day, claiming that the government "forced" people to vote; that voters were monitored and had no right to choose; and even accusing the election of "lacking transparency" and demanding "international supervision." These arguments are deliberate distortions aimed at undermining this important political event, thereby undermining our Party and State.

First of all, the claim that people were "forced" to vote is a blatant distortion. Vietnamese law stipulates that voting is both a right and a duty of citizens. This reflects a common belief in many democracies around the world : Participating in elections is not only a personal right but also a responsibility to the community and the nation. Therefore, promoting, campaigning for, and encouraging people to participate in elections is perfectly normal.

In Vietnam, authorities at all levels strive to create the most favorable conditions for all voters to exercise their rights. In areas with unique characteristics, early elections are held to ensure the rights of voters.

The use of supplementary ballot boxes to serve elderly, disabled, or inability-to-reach voters demonstrates an effort to maximize the participation of all citizens in deciding important national issues.

Another frequently repeated argument is that voters are "monitored," are "roll-checking robots," and have no freedom of choice. The reality is quite the opposite. Polling stations are organized in accordance with the law, ensuring the principle of secret ballot.

Security forces are tasked with ensuring order and facilitating a safe and smooth election process. This is a common practice in all countries, as an election can only be conducted seriously and transparently when security and order are guaranteed. In the polling area, voters are given ballots and choose their candidates before casting their votes; no individual or organization has the right to interfere with the voters' decision. However, subversive elements deliberately conflate security with "monitoring the selection process" to sow doubt among the public.

More seriously, there are accusations that the election results will be "inaccurate" and that "international supervision" is necessary. This is a baseless argument aimed at denying the principle of national sovereignty. Elections are an internal affair of each sovereign nation, organized and managed according to that nation's legal system.

In Vietnam, the electoral process is clearly defined in the Law on Election of National Assembly Deputies and People's Council Deputies. Vote counting is conducted seriously and according to procedure, with the presence of election committee members and voter representatives. The law also stipulates that candidates, representatives of agencies, organizations, and units nominating candidates, or authorized representatives have the right to witness vote counting and file complaints regarding the counting process.

Journalists were allowed to witness the vote counting. Afterwards, the results were compiled and reported to the National Election Council. This multi-tiered process ensures the accuracy and transparency of the election results. In fact, over many terms, elections in Vietnam have always been orderly, safe, compliant with regulations, and have been recognized and supported by the people.

On social media, some extremist individuals even used sarcastic tones to smear the nature of the election, claiming it was "one-sided democracy," undermining the credibility of the candidates, and demanding that Vietnam emulate the election campaigning models of some Western countries. It is important to recognize that democracy is not a single model applicable to all nations. Each country has the right to choose a path of development that suits its historical, cultural, and level of development.

In Vietnam, socialist democracy is built on the principle that state power belongs to the people, exercised through the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels. Representatives are selected through consultation, nomination, and election processes, ensuring representation of all strata of society and various social groups. This model has been in operation for decades, making a significant contribution to maintaining political stability, a key factor in Vietnam's economic growth, improving people's lives, and enhancing the nation's standing in the international arena.

It is not difficult to see that the distorted narratives before, during, and after the election were calculated, even organized into deliberate media campaigns aimed at attacking the Party, the State, and the socialist regime in Vietnam. The goal of these campaigns was to create confusion in society, erode public trust, and divide national unity. However, in the context of the information explosion, people have many sources to verify and assess the truth. More importantly, their direct experience in the country's political and social life helps them discern truth from falsehood.

The success of the elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term has significance beyond the scope of a regular political event. It is an opportunity for the people nationwide to exercise their right to self-governance and entrust their faith in the representatives chosen for a new stage of national development.

EAST ASIA

Source: https://nhandan.vn/trach-nhiem-va-niem-tin-post949629.html