The 1992 Constitution has been revised to match the current national integration and reform process.  The Constitution reflects national development, democracy, and civilization. The new Constitution contains the following changes:

Changes in form

The Constitutional Revision Drafting Committee has outlined the changes in the new Constitution. It has 11 chapters and 120 articles, 27 fewer articles than the previous Constitution. It kept 7 articles unchanged, added 12 new articles, and revised 101 articles. Article 1 consists of regulations on the national emblem, flag, anthem, and capital city.  Article 2 covers political regime, human rights, and the fundamental rights and obligations of citizens. Article 10, which is new, stipulates independent constitutional institutions.

Changes in content

First, the introduction to the Constitution has been rewritten to be more general and concise. It’s one third the length of the previous introduction. Second, the people’s sovereignty is clearly and consistently presented to highlight the role of the people, who are the highest and sole possessors of state power. Third, it constitutionalizes principles on organizing state power to build a Vietnamese state governed by law that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Fourth, stipulations concerning economics, culture, society, education, science, technology, and the environment are stated in a succinct and clear manner to maintain the Constitution’s resilience. The contents of chapter 2 and 3 have been combined in chapter 3. Fifth, the revised Constitution reserves chapter 10 for independent constitutional institutions including the National Election Council and state audits. 

National Assembly deputies devoted to revising the Constitution

498 National Assembly deputies, representing the aspiration of voters nationwide, devoted their intellect and time to thoroughly debating every word and sentence in the revised Constitution. Many deputies kept every draft version to compare amendments made by the Drafting Committee. The deputies were pleased to have their opinions incorporated in some of the constitutional changes. The deputies have been fully aware of their role and responsibility in amending and approving this historic document.

People nationwide agree on revising the constitution

Vietnam adopted its first Constitution in 1946, and others in 1959, 1980, and 1992. Each constitution had its own historic role and mission. Realistically, not all cadres and voters have the time and means to read and thoroughly understand the Constitution. Some people think the constitution is a matter for those at a higher level or something irrelevant to them. This time around, during one year of pending revisions, tens of millions of recommendations were collected from people of all social strata, showing a widespread public interest in revising the Constitution. An overwhelming majority of voters and National Assembly deputies agreed with the revisions.

People nationwide consider the Constitution their personal concern. The Constitution, the basic law which orients and regulates national activities, is truly a Constitution of the people, by the people, and for the people.