(VOVworld)- On May 22, Vietnamese voters will cast their ballots to elect deputies of the 14th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the next 5-year term. Each ballot implies a citizen’s rights in an independent, free and democratic country and the trust of millions of voters in elected deputies.
 |
Dr. Nguyen Trong Phuc former Director of the Party History Institute
(Photo: VNA) |
The right to vote and self-nominate are fundamental political rights of citizens guaranteed by the 1946 Constitution, the first Constitution of Vietnam, and by the latest 2013 Constitution. Congratulating the newly-elected deputies of the first National Assembly, President Ho Chi Minh said: “ballots are valuable, confirming that the people are the real masters of the country”. To benefit the fatherland and every citizen, voters should make it their duty to encourage each other to vote on General Election Day.
Each ballot is a brick in the foundation of a stronger, richer country
During the first General Elections in 1946, President Ho Chi Minh said: “each ballot is a brick in the foundation of a stronger, richer country. Since then, the people’s self-reliant spirit has been supported by the Party and State. Dr. Nguyen Trong Phuc, former Director of the Party History Institute of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said: “By casting a ballot, each voter contributes to building a stronger State, and expresses their patriotism, self-reliance and solidarity for national construction and defense. The upcoming National Assembly elections should promote this attitude. A real State holds elections to uphold democracy, and voters are aware of their duty to select competent representatives, who are able to contribute to the development of the State”.
 |
| Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Van Pha (Photo: VNA) |
Nguyen Van Pha, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, said the laws stipulate that voting is not just a right, but also an obligation. Voters have the right to choose who will represent them in state agencies. They have a duty to select truly deserving and prominent people, who, on behalf of voters, are able to make the correct decisions. Mr. Nguyen Van Pha said: “Voters elect people to work in State agencies at central and local levels. The voters need to know that by voting they help build the state and the administration. It’s important to thoroughly study candidates’ biographies and related information because in one general election, we will elect representatives to 4 levels of National Assembly: the central, provincial, district and communal levels. At each polling station there are 4 lists of candidates. So it’s hard to choose the right person without careful consideration”.
Keen on candidates’ programs of action
Aware of how important it is to elect the right deputies, voters pay close attention to candidates’ programs of action. Dinh Xuan Ngoi, a voter in Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, said: “A National Assembly deputy should be close to the people and collect their opinions. Only by doing so, can the deputies complete their tasks. Candidates should have clear platforms and report them to the people”.
Pham Huy Thu, a voter in Dong Da district, Hanoi, told us: “To know whether a candidate is competent, we listen to their campaign promises, what they intend to do for local development. The people consider even past experience of candidates and their qualifications before deciding who to elect. Our aspiration is that our country will grow with socio-politics stabilized, national sovereignty protected, corruption eradicated and democracy promoted”.
Vietnamese voters will cast their ballots on May 22, exercising their right and duty to elect deputies of the National Assembly and People’s Councils who will represent the people’s will and aspirations.