New Term, New Trust, New Expectations

(DTO) These days, streets from urban centers to rural areas are donning a festive new look, adorned with flags, banners, and posters. From the elderly to the young, a shared sense of excitement prevails as the nation looks toward the 'festival of democracy' - the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2026–2031 term.

Scheduled for March 15 at thousands of polling stations nationwide, preparations have been synchronously and proactively completed by the National Election Council and all levels of government, ensuring full readiness for this major national event.

Regarding the National Assembly election, according to the National Election Council, the official list includes 864 candidates from which voters will select deputies for the new term. For the Provincial People’s Council, there are 4,217 candidates competing for 2,552 statutory seats. This election occurs amidst several significant changes: a streamlined administrative apparatus, the operation of a two-level local government system, and a pivotal national transition as the entire nation enters an era of surging ahead and breaking through. Therefore, the structure and criteria for deputies must ensure reasonable representation across social groups and professional fields, with the substantive standards of candidates (political quality, ethics, capacity, prestige, and connection with voters) prioritized above all.

Following developments reported in the media in recent weeks, voters have expressed support for and high appreciation of the action programs presented by candidates for the National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2026–2031 term. These action plans reflect practical orientations closely aligned with local development needs, especially in improving institutions under the two-tier local government model and accelerating administrative reforms to meet the demands of the new context.

Furthermore, Candidates’ action programs also demonstrate a strong commitment to developing human resources and cultural values; restructuring the economy in tandem with sustainable growth, social welfare and environmental protection; and maintaining close engagement with voters to listen to their concerns and aspirations. At the same time, candidates pledge to strengthen oversight of issues of public concern and make recommendations addressing voters’ proposals. In addition, the action programs emphasize efforts to improve the living standards of residents in remote and disadvantaged areas and vulnerable groups in society; promote healthcare and education; advance new-style rural development; invest in high-tech agriculture; promote sustainable tourism; and develop modern, synchronized transport infrastructure.

The 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term hold special significance. This will be the first term operating under the two-tier local government model and is regarded as a term that will play a pioneering and guiding role in leading the country into a new era — an era of advancement and prosperity for the nation. For that reason, each ballot cast by voters carries greater responsibility: to carefully select representatives to the National Assembly and People’s Councils who truly embody “integrity, competence, virtue and dedication”, thereby opening a new chapter for the country’s continued development. In this spirit, during this “nationwide democratic festival”, every vote cast by voters across the country in general and in Dong Thap province in particular represents new trust and new expectations.

By Nguyen Chuong
Translated by X.QUANG