General elections signify democracy of socialist Vietnamese regime

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang has made the statement during an interview granted to the press ahead of the general elections on May 23.

The elections represent a great festival to showcase the extensive Vietnamese democracy, during which people can directly choose their representatives in bodies of power at both a local level and the highest level of the country, the diplomat said.

He emphasized that that the active engagement of all officials, Party members, and people from all walks of life in preparing for and taking part in the elections as part of their civil rights ensures that they will take place in a democratic and fair manner in line with the law, thereby becoming a real festival for all citizens.

Commenting on the organization of Vietnamese elections, the Laotian Ambassador said that each election marks a historical event and a chance for local people to fully exercise their democracy rights in line with the Constitution of Vietnam.

Local elections share many similarities with those in Laos, such as the main foundation of elections being the system of laws and institutions on election, along with the comprehensive preparation process, he said.

Both countries are home to many different ethnic groups, so there are specific regulations regarding the ratios of candidates based on ethnic groups, gender, and age. This therefore ensures balance and fairness for all citizens, Ambassador Houngboungnuang said, noting that the two nations stipulate a 35% ratio of women among candidates, whilst aiming for a 30% proportion of women among those who win the election.

Stating that Vietnamese elections are taking place amid complicated developments relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Lao diplomat said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Government, NA, and People’s Councils at all levels have shown greater flexibility in their preparations.

He expressed a desire that deputies of the 15th NA of Vietnam will be those who boast a good capacity, knowledge, and experience in supervision, inspection of law enforcement, and law making. This will serve to contribute to national construction towards the goal of boosting citizens economically whilst creating a strong nation that is equal, democratic, and civilized to meet strategic targets for 2030.

This aims to turn the country into a upper middle-income nation by 2045 to mark the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the CPV and to be a developed country with a high income by the 100th founding anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 

The Ambassador also wished great success for the impeding election.