Preparations with strong sense of responsibility

Through official information sources, media reports and diplomatic exchanges, Salih said preparations for Vietnam’s upcoming legislative elections appear to be carried out in an organised and well-coordinated manner.

According to him, shortening the election process from 70 days to 42 days could improve administrative efficiency and flexibility in management. In the digital era, when modern campaigning methods and online platforms facilitate interaction between voters and candidates, such a shortened timeline is unlikely to negatively affect the electoral process or weaken public trust in national institutions.

Salih noted that preparations for the election are being conducted with seriousness and responsibility. These efforts, he said, will help ensure a smooth and effective election while reflecting Vietnam’s governance capacity and political maturity.

The upcoming election will determine the composition of Vietnam’s legislative body, which plays a central role in the country’s governance system. As a key institutional pillar, the legislature performs important functions including lawmaking, policy debate and oversight of national development strategies.

“Over the past decades, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most remarkable success stories,” Salih said, highlighting the country’s significant achievements in economic development, poverty reduction, infrastructure expansion and international integration.

“These accomplishments demonstrate the strong commitment of Vietnam’s leadership and people to national development and social progress,” he added.

High expectations for Vietnam’s new legislature

Salih explained that Vietnam is entering an important stage of its national development journey, with ambitious visions for the coming decades. The years ahead are expected to be a period of transformation and breakthrough driven by technological progress, economic modernisation and deeper international integration.

In this context, the role of the legislature becomes increasingly important. The National Assembly not only acts as a lawmaking body but also provides strategic direction for national development.

Through legislation, it establishes legal and policy frameworks that guide economic growth, ensure social welfare, protect the environment and strengthen the country’s resilience.

As Vietnam integrates more deeply into the global economy, the legislative process will play a vital role in promoting innovation, attracting investment and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, Salih said. At the same time, the legal system must safeguard national interests while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Another essential function of the legislature is oversight. Effective parliamentary supervision helps strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance by ensuring that public policies and administrative programs are implemented responsibly and efficiently.

Modern parliaments also face new challenges, as citizens increasingly expect their representatives to address issues such as digital transformation, climate change adaptation, sustainable urban development and the aspirations of younger generations.

According to Salih, the achievements Vietnam has made over the past decades demonstrate the strength of its institutions and the determination of its people. The 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2026–2031 term will therefore carry the important responsibility of consolidating these achievements and guiding the country toward long-term prosperity.

Expanding parliamentary cooperation

Reflecting on more than 55 years of diplomatic relations, Salih underscored that the relationship between Vietnam and Sri Lanka has been built on a foundation of friendship, mutual respect and constructive cooperation.

In recent years, bilateral ties have expanded across various fields including politics, economy, culture and education, reflecting the shared aspiration for peace, stability and development.

Parliamentary diplomacy, he noted, is an important aspect of this relationship. Exchanges between lawmakers of the two countries have helped strengthen mutual understanding, promote dialogue and share experiences in governance and lawmaking.

Salih suggested that parliamentary exchanges could be further expanded through delegation visits, friendship parliamentary groups and committee-level interactions, enabling lawmakers from both sides to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.

Another promising area of cooperation is knowledge exchange between parliamentary committees in fields such as trade, agriculture, fisheries, education, technology and sustainable development.

Both parliaments are also active participants in international parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which provide valuable platforms for dialogue and cooperation on global challenges including climate change, sustainable development and the promotion of peace and stability.

Modern legislatures increasingly rely on professional research models, digital legislative tools and policy analysis to support effective lawmaking. Cooperation in these areas could help strengthen institutional capacity, improve legislative efficiency and deepen mutual understanding between the two parliaments.

Salih reaffirmed that Sri Lanka highly values its longstanding friendship with Vietnam, and expressed confidence that stronger parliamentary cooperation will further deepen the partnership between the two countries.

On this occasion, he also extended his best wishes for the successful organisation of Vietnam’s upcoming legislative elections, and believed that the Vietnamese people will continue to achieve new milestones on their path toward development and prosperity.

Overseas Vietnamese in Thailand look toward National Assembly elections

VOV.VN - As Vietnam prepares for the coming National Assembly and local People's Councils for the 2026–2031 period, Vietnamese nationals in Thailand are closely following developments in their homeland.