There are signs prompting people to believe that the 10^th National Party Congress is a congress of democracy, renovation, intelligence and unity. Opinions contributed by people throughout the country are being considered as a vivid demonstration of democratisation, which was found in active preparations for the congress.

The 14^th Conference of the Party Central Committee collected a majority of rational and appropriate opinions on the 10^th Party Congress’ documents.

The Party Congress will show a new working style of science and democracy in a bid to reach a high consensus on substantive issues, requiring the combined intelligence of nearly 1,200 delegates. The congress is the highest power body of the Party, which is closely linked to people. People from across the country have actively contributed heartfelt opinions to the congress, pinning their hopes on the momentous event. They clearly understand that decisive policies adopted by the congress will directly relate to their daily lives. They hope that delegates to the congress not only hear reports on raising knowledge and observing opinions from senior leaders but also contribute many objective and sharp opinions to the major political event, regardless of any obstacles or pressure.

Unlike the previous Party congresses, the 10^th Party Congress is taking place at a time when Vietnam is coping with a new situation riddled with a lot of opportunities and prolonged weaknesses. Beside outstanding renewal achievements are signs of growing degradation within the Party and State apparatus.

The Project Management Unit 18 (PMU18) scandal and other corruption cases are hard evidence. Apart from issues related to international people’s welfare, development and integration, the question of which measures will be taken by the Party to combat corruption, which is eroding the Party’s strength at all levels from senior leaders at the central to Party members at the grassroots levels has become the dominating concern of the public over the past few days.

The answer will be found in the congress’ high sense of responsibility. People’s aspirations are not just recommendations, but represent urgent requirements that can not be disregarded. If this burning issue is not resolved effectively, implications are unavoidable.

In fact, there remain certain shortcomings within Party cells. The Party should regain its trust from the people by making proper and transparent policies. The Party assumes its leadership role on behalf of the people, so it must serve the people who are its roots.

A one-party mechanism should build absolute trust among the people. It is important to clarify the leadership of the Party, the State and the management of the legal system. Is it necessary to issue a law on leadership? The Party leads the people by guidelines, policies and viewpoints with ideological work, not by imperatives.

Finally, it is not easy to select a central executing board, which can win trust from the people and can shoulder the responsibility for the State to integrate our country with the world. There remain a lot of shortcomings in selecting cadres. Power, money and individual relationships are eroding human morality and virtues. In response, the Party has disciplined 10 members of the Party Central Committee and many other senior officials. It is hoped that this congress will not let opportunists and degenerated Party members stay within Party cells.

Many people say that the 10^th National Party Congress marks a turning point in Vietnam’s history. Can the congress fulfill its key tasks? When the congress opened, all people strongly believed that it will be successful. Only time will tell.