Vietnam steps up preparations ahead of 2026 National Assembly elections
VOV.VN - Vietnam has entered the peak phase of preparations for elections of deputies to its 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at the grassroots level for the 2026–2031 term, officials said on March 3.
Authorities are strengthening communications efforts ahead of the vote, said Nguyen Huu Dong, a member of the National Assembly Standing Committee and head of the National Assembly Committee for Deputy Affairs, at a press briefing in Hanoi on March 3.
Preparations have been carried out in accordance with legal procedures and are now entering a decisive stage, he noted.
The National Election Council (NEC) announced that 864 candidates have been officially nominated for the 16th National Assembly across 182 constituencies. Of these, 217 were introduced by central-level bodies and 647 by local authorities.
Women account for 45.37% of candidates, while 21.64% are under 40 years old and 21.76% are from ethnic minority groups. Candidates holding postgraduate degrees represent 68.63% of the total.
At the provincial level, 4,223 candidates are competing for 2,554 seats in People’s Councils. Women make up 44.12% of candidates, and 27.58% are under 40.
At the commune level, 121,242 candidates are listed for 72,613 seats. Women account for 42.15% of the total, and 34.78% are under the age of 40.
The NEC has approved early voting in 1,218 polling stations across 11 provinces and centrally administered cities, following requests from local election committees.
Officials said authorities are continuing to update voter lists, organise voter meetings, ensure security arrangements and prepare for vote counting and reporting procedures. Final results are scheduled to be announced no later than March 25, 2026.
Vietnam holds elections of deputies to the National Assembly, the country’s highest legislative body, and to the People’s Councils at the grassroots level every five years. This year, voters nationwide are scheduled to cast their ballots on March 15.
Political system readies for nationwide election day
VOV.VN - The entire political system is focusing at the highest level in preparation for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, scheduled for March 15, 2026.
