Soldiers stationed in Truong Sa town cast their ballots at the elections of the 14th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2016-2021 term (File photo: Naval newspaper)

Soldiers stationed on the DK1 platform are on duty to defend national sovereignty and safeguard the elections. The naval force has helped local authorities prepare for the elections.  

Rear Admiral Hoang Hong Ha, deputy commander of the Vietnam Navy, said that because islands in the Truong Sa archipelago are far from each other, early elections must be carefully planned to ensure civil rights and safety, and minimize costs.

“Islands and DK platforms are scattered over an area of about 200,000 sq.km. It takes a lot of time and resources to organize consultative meetings, set up polling stations, and collect votes. The Vietnam Navy has organized 4 sub-committees and 6 electoral teams to prepare for the elections,” Ha said.

On election day, the naval force will have ships transport ballot boxes to islands and the DK1 platform so voters can cast their ballots. Political Commissar Dinh Van Cuong, Chairman of Truong Sa town’s People’s Council, said: “We have prepared voter cards for local residents and some extra voter cards for fishermen who cannot get back to the mainland by election day. So they can exercise their right to vote.”

Many young people and soldiers in the Truong Sa archipelago will be voting for the first time.

Soldier Luong Thanh Giang on Big Truong Sa island said: “I will learn about the candidates so I can elect competent people to the National Assembly and People’s Councils.

Tran Thi Kim Lien, a resident of Truong Sa town, said: “I expect the National Assembly and People’s Council to pay more attention to helping remote islands and border areas develop their economy and improve people’s lives.”

The Election Committee of Khanh Hoa province has asked the National Election Council to allow early voting on Sunday, May 16, at 20 polling stations in Truong Sa town and Sinh Ton and Song Tu Tay commune.