The highlands of Thanh Hoa province are ready for the big festival.

For mountainous communes, especially those in border areas of the province, preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term are of particular importance. These areas are vast, with scattered populations and challenging transportation, therefore, thorough and proactive preparation at the grassroots level is considered a decisive factor in ensuring a democratic, lawful, and safe election.

Residents of Trung Ly commune are reviewing the list of candidates for the commune's People's Council for the 2026-2031 term. Photo: Dinh Giang

Proactive, not surprised or taken by surprise.

Under the close guidance of the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee, preparations for election day in the midland, mountainous, and border areas of the province are being carried out urgently and systematically, completing the final tasks. From organizing training conferences, reviewing voter lists, posting candidate lists, to preparing facilities at polling stations... all are being done according to the correct procedures. Local authorities are also proactively anticipating potential situations that may arise on election day to have timely solutions, ensuring that they are not caught off guard.

In Van Trong village, Yen Thang commune, Party Secretary Lo Trung Hau shared his unique approach to strengthening voter confidence. According to him, the village has a large Thai ethnic minority population, so his concern is not only about ensuring full voter turnout, but more importantly, helping them understand and consciously exercise their voting rights. During village meetings, he often speaks frankly with the villagers, asking them: if they remain indifferent, who will make decisions concerning the village? If they heed incitement and don't vote, where will the voice of the village be? Through this simple and approachable way, he patiently explains the significance of each ballot to the villagers.

When misinformation emerges, Mr. Hau is the one who directly meets with people, meticulously analyzing the situation to help them distinguish between right and wrong. Without imposing his views or raising his voice, he chooses to speak sincerely, based on the trust he has built over many years within the community.

To date, Yen Thang commune has basically completed the preparations for election day. Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, Vu The Vinh, said: "Due to the complex terrain and difficult transportation, the commune's election committee has divided the commune into 4 electoral units, with 8 polling areas, arranged to suit the population density and the people's travel conditions."

In remote, mountainous villages with vast territories and dispersed populations, public awareness campaigns cannot be limited to administrative documents or notices. Local authorities recognize the need to leverage the role of village heads and respected community leaders. These individuals are seen as "extended arms" of the local government, directly conveying policies and guidance to individual households in an approachable and easily understandable manner.

In Son Thuy commune, a border area facing difficult circumstances, preparations for the election have been largely completed. The work of compiling and posting voter lists, as well as election campaigning and propaganda, has all been carried out on schedule. To ensure voters understand the regulations and procedures of the election, in addition to specialized conferences, the local authorities have integrated the dissemination of directives from the Central and provincial governments into branch meetings and professional meetings.

The smooth and coordinated cooperation between the commune's election committee and various departments, agencies, and organizations has contributed to ensuring that information is exchanged and conveyed to voters in a timely and consistent manner.

According to Mac Van Toi, Chairman of the People's Committee of Son Thuy commune: "The commune's election committee has established 5 polling units and arranged 11 polling stations, ensuring that people do not have to travel too far. The local government also reviewed each household and individual on the voter list to promptly disseminate information, provide guidance, and remind people to exercise their right to vote. In addition, border guards and police forces have been requested to strengthen measures to ensure border security, maintain social order and safety, and create conditions for the election to take place democratically and in accordance with the law."

In addition to focusing on organization, mountainous localities have proactively implemented various solutions to ensure the safety of voters on election day. Accordingly, functional forces have increased patrols and traffic control on national highways, provincial roads, and inter-commune and inter-village roads; promptly reviewing and repairing degraded areas that pose potential accident risks. Local police forces have focused on handling violations such as drunk driving, carrying more passengers than permitted, and not wearing helmets. They have also developed appropriate traffic flow plans in polling areas with large numbers of voters, contributing to ensuring convenient and safe travel for the public.

Voter confidence ahead of the big event.

These days in Trung Ly commune, the atmosphere leading up to the election is spreading throughout the border villages. From the commune center to remote villages like Ta Com, Canh Cong, Pa Bua, etc., the national flag and propaganda banners are proudly displayed, and voter lists and candidate information are posted at the community center for people to review before voting day.

Trung Ly commune has a large Mong ethnic minority population (living in 11 out of 15 villages), and transportation is difficult. Many people are not fluent in the common Vietnamese language, so propaganda work is carried out in a close and direct manner. Commune and village officials proactively visit each household to explain the significance of the election, as well as the rights and responsibilities of voters when participating in choosing their representatives. Giang A Vanh, Party Secretary and Head of the Fatherland Front Committee of Kham 2 village, said that propaganda sessions are usually held in both the common Vietnamese language and the Mong language to make it easier for people to understand. For households that live far away or have limited opportunities to attend village meetings, officials go to their homes to persuade and explain.

“The villagers are very interested in the election. When informed, everyone hopes to choose representatives who are dedicated, responsible, and understand life in the highlands to reflect the voices of the people. For people in border areas, it is important that elected representatives are close to the people, listen to them, and help solve the practical difficulties of the village,” Mr. Vành shared.

The atmosphere leading up to election day also evokes special emotions for young voters. 19-year-old Luc Thi Thuy from Tao village, Trung Ly commune, is exercising her right to vote for the first time, and she finds it very sacred.

"I hope the elected delegates will pay more attention to young people in mountainous areas, creating more opportunities for vocational training and employment so that young people can establish their careers right in their hometowns. When young people have stable jobs, their villages will also develop more," Thuy expressed.

Meanwhile, Mr. Luong Xuan Nguyen, the village elder and respected figure in Tan Huong hamlet, Tam Chung commune, expressed his hope: “The people in the highlands hope that the elected representatives will truly listen to the voices of the people. In many places, life is still difficult, livelihoods are not stable, and some households have to relocate and resettle, so long-term support policies are very much needed. The people hope for more production models suitable for mountainous conditions, land for farming, and convenient transportation to develop the economy .”

For voters in mountainous regions, the ballot is not only a civic right but also represents the trust and expectations placed in newly elected representatives – those who are expected to bring the voice of the people to the authorities; and to discuss, develop, and enact mechanisms and policies that contribute to promoting the sustainable development of ethnic minority areas.

Dinh Giang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/vung-cao-xu-thanh-san-sang-cho-ngay-hoi-lon-280909.htm