Reports focus on the scale, political significance and new features of the election and describe it as an important event in Vietnam’s political life held shortly after the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), voters across Vietnam cast ballots to select 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly from a total of 864 candidates. At the same time, voters elect representatives to People’s Councils at all levels for a new five-year term. Chinese media describe the vote as a major political activity that shows broad public participation in selecting representatives to state bodies.

The Cuban news agency Prensa Latina reported that more than 78 million Vietnamese voters were invited to exercise their voting rights at more than 772,000 polling stations nationwide. Official figures show that the candidate lists include more than 126,000 people for positions at different levels of government, including 864 candidates for the National Assembly, 4,227 candidates for provincial People’s Councils and more than 121,000 candidates for commune-level councils.

Prensa Latina also noted that the candidate structure reflects relatively diverse representation across social groups, with a relatively high proportion of women, ethnic minority candidates and first-time candidates. The report described this as a notable feature of the election and an indication of efforts to strengthen representation in Vietnam’s elected bodies.

Sharing this view, Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, said the current trend appears positive. She noted that since the 15th National Assembly, women’s representation has increased at several levels. In preparation for the 16th National Assembly, women now account for about 40-45% of the candidate list, suggesting a strong likelihood that the legal target of 35% female deputies in the National Assembly could be achieved. A similar trend can also be seen among ethnic minority candidates, who currently make up about 22% of the candidate list, exceeding the target of 18%.

International observers also place the election within the broader context of Vietnam’s reform and development process in a new phase. As the global economy undergoes significant change and restructuring, researchers say consolidating the state apparatus through elections plays an important role in maintaining stability and creating a foundation for long-term development policies.

Matthew Smith, a researcher at Yuanta Financial Holding, pointed to three important factors.

Major Asian media outlets including The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, NHK, Bangkok Post, The Sun and The Hindu describe the election as an expression of citizens’ participation in political life. Reports say the vote is not only a major political event but also part of efforts to strengthen the state apparatus, boost reforms and lay the groundwork for the country’s next stage of development.

Meanwhile, Sputnik highlighted several new aspects of the election’s organisation, including the introduction of a two-tier local government model, a combination of in-person and online election campaigning and expanded use of information technology.

 The use of electronic identification applications and QR codes to access candidate information or change polling locations is considered a step forward in the digital transformation of state administration.

Major Western news agencies including Reuters, Agence France-Presse and Associated Press also reported on the event, noting Vietnam’s continued political stability and economic growth in Southeast Asia.

Images of red flags with yellow stars and election banners along streets in Hanoi and other localities created a lively atmosphere on election day as voters exercised their civic rights and duties.

Election day across Vietnam: Moving moments from every region

VOV.VN- Across Vietnam on March 15, election day brings a vibrant nationwide atmosphere as voters head to polling stations. From voters in mountainous areas, islands and border regions to elderly voters, the images capture a strong sense of democratic spirit and civic responsibility on the country’s major national day.

NA election underscores Vietnam’s inclusive development model

VOV.VN - The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term takes place as Vietnam continues to promote institutional reforms, improve the quality of national governance and expand international integration in pursuit of long-term development goals.