Speaking at a nationwide conference on the implementation of the elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term on the morning of November 15 in Hanoi, the Party chief highlighted the 2026-2031 term as a pivotal period for realizing the country’s two centennial strategic goals, which demands the careful selection and nomination of candidates who are truly exemplary in both character and competence.

They must be individuals with strong political resolve, loyal to the nation and the people, virtuous and capable, meeting all legal requirements and fully qualified to perform the duties of a People’s Deputy.

The Party leader emphasized that the conference holds great significance as a concrete step in carrying out the Politburo’s guidance on leading the elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term-a major political event for the country, taking place immediately after the 14th Party Congress.

He also noted that the 16th election, held to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the first general election, will continue the nation’s democratic tradition and reaffirm the strength of national unity in advancing the country’s development in the new era.

The success of the election will mark an important starting point for building and consolidating the new-term State apparatus, while providing a solid political and social foundation for the successful implementation of the 14th Party Congress’s resolutions.

Accordingly, this election has been identified as a key political task for 2026. The responsibility of the entire Party, the people, and the armed forces is to ensure thorough preparation, guaranteeing that the elections are successfully conducted in a democratic, lawful, safe, and cost-effective manner, truly serving as a grand festival for the nation.

To ensure the successful elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, Party General Secretary To Lam highlighted five core issues for the entire political system to focus on. Among them, leadership over personnel work-the most critical aspect of the elections-must be prioritized, with the principle that National Assembly and People’s Council deputies must genuinely represent the people, speak for the people, address the people’s concerns, and safeguard their legitimate interests, directly serving the constituents in their electoral areas.

“Priority should be given to nominating individuals with innovative thinking who dare to think, speak, act, and take responsibility; those with vision and capacity to contribute to policy-making that drives local and national development in the new era,” General Secretary To Lam said.

According to the Party leader, a rigorous screening process is needed to promptly eliminate anyone displaying political opportunism, power ambition, conservatism, factionalism, or localism; individuals with low credibility, poor ethics, dishonesty, or signs of legal violations under inspection or audit by competent authorities. At the same time, past cases must be considered, including National Assembly and People’s Council deputies who were disciplined or who abused their positions and powers in violation of the law, in order to draw lessons to guide the nomination of personnel for the next term.

The General Secretary called for well-organized consultations in selecting and nominating candidates, ensuring the people’s ownership throughout the election process. Party committees at all levels must focus on leading and strictly directing the organization of consultation conferences at each level to compile the list of National Assembly and People’s Council candidates in accordance with legal procedures.

He stressed the important role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organizations in the consultation process, candidate nomination, and election supervision, while strengthening inspection and supervision of implementation.

Negative practices such as unhealthy lobbying, “buying” candidacies, “buying” votes, or group interests that distort the meaning of the elections must be strictly prevented. Conditions must be created to enable all citizens to fully exercise their right to stand for election and to vote according to the law, with absolutely no illegal actions permitted to infringe upon the people’s ownership.

At the same time, publicity and advocacy efforts should be strengthened to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and consensus in society and to raise voters’ awareness and sense of responsibility. Widespread communication is needed so that all officials, Party members, and citizens fully understand the significance and importance of the elections and recognize the honor and responsibility that each vote carries for the country’s future.

Voters should also be encouraged and motivated to participate actively and voluntarily, aiming for the highest possible turnout to demonstrate their responsibility toward the nation, rather than voting merely as a formality. Each official and Party member must set a leading example, not only by voting fully and lawfully themselves but also by mobilizing their families, relatives, and surrounding communities to participate enthusiastically in the elections.

On this occasion, the Party chief also called for ensuring political security, social order, and timely handling of election-related issues. Security measures for the elections must be prepared proactively, comprehensively, and meticulously, with particular emphasis on the application of information technology and coordinated cooperation among agencies and organizations across the political system to ensure a successful election.

The use of information technology in managing and administering the elections should be expanded, from compiling and updating voter lists and supporting consultations to reporting election results. In addition, special attention must be paid to cybersecurity and information confidentiality to prevent errors or data breaches, he added.

Nationwide conference to roll out preparations for NA, People's Council elections

The National Election Council (NEC) will hold a national conference on November 15 to disseminate the Politburo’s Directive on implementing preparations for the elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 tenure.

National Election Council holds first meeting to prepare for 2026 elections

VOV.VN - The National Election Council held its first meeting in Hanoi on July 9 to discuss preparations for the election of deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term, slated for March 15, 2026.