National Conference on Election Preparations for the National Assembly and People’s Councils
(DTO) On the morning of February 26, the National Election Council convened a national online conference to implement preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
The conference was chaired by Tran Thanh Man, Politburo member, Chairman of the National Assembly, and Chairman of the National Election Council. It was connected to 34 provincial-level sites and 3,321 commune-level sites across the country.
Present at the Đồng Tháp provincial site were Ngo Chi Cuong, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the Dong Thap National Assembly Delegation; Phan Van Thang, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Thap Province; and Chau Thi My Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Council.
This conference held significant importance, providing a comprehensive review of the preparations for the upcoming elections, identifying remaining challenges and difficulties, and proposing solutions to ensure the successful organization of elections for the National Assembly and People’s Councils.
Notably, this election cycle includes several new elements being implemented for the first time, such as the organization of a two-tier local government structure, shorter timelines for election procedures, and increased application of information technology and digital transformation in election management. The National Election Council acknowledged and highly appreciated the responsibility and proactiveness demonstrated by central agencies, local authorities at all levels, and election bodies, from Election Steering Committees and Election Committees to Election Boards and Polling Stations nationwide.
Regarding candidates for the 16th National Assembly, the National Election Council has published a list of 864 official candidates running in 182 constituencies nationwide. Among them, 217 candidates were nominated by central agencies, 643 by localities, and 4 individuals were self-nominated.
According to the Dong Thap Election Committee, the province has 2,009 polling areas with 3,226,317 voters (as of February 22). At each polling area, the commune-level People’s Committee has established a Polling Team responsible for election administration. Commune-level Election Committees in 102 communes and wards have issued decisions defining the number of constituencies, the list of constituencies, and the number of People’s Council deputies to be elected in each. In total, there are 712 commune-level constituencies, electing 2,332 commune-level People’s Council deputies.
Speaking at the conference, Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized the need to strictly follow personnel procedures, conduct the consultative conferences to select and nominate candidates, gather voter feedback on the nominees, and organize election campaigning to choose qualified candidates who meet all legal requirements; proactively monitor the situation at the grassroots level while closely following local developments; prepare comprehensive plans and measures to ensure security, public order, social and healthcare safety throughout the election; as well as carry out inspection, supervision, and timely direction and resolution of arising issues.
As for priorities moving forward, Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed that no complacency or negligence is acceptable. Localities must organize voter meetings properly, ensuring democracy, equality, and legal compliance; review voter lists accurately, leaving no voter unrecorded; strengthen information and communication efforts; ensure absolute security and safety; prevent hostile forces from exploiting the situation; conduct voting and vote counting with strictness and objectivity; announce election results no later than March 25, 2026; handle complaints and denunciations in accordance with the law; and complete the finalization and confirmation of elected deputies as required.
By HA NAM
Translated by ANH DUC
