(VOVWORLD) - Today, March 15, more than 78 million Vietnamese voters are casting their ballots to elect deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term.
 Today (March 15), over 78 million Vietnamese voters cast their ballots to elect deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. (Illustrative photo: Le Chi/VOV5) |
The election is a major political event, giving voters the opportunity to exercise their rights to mastery and elect their representatives with strong qualities, capabilities and credibility who will deliver the will and aspirations of the people at the National Assembly and local People’s Councils.
According to the National Election Council, polling begins at 7:00 a.m. and continues until 7:00 p.m. today. Depending on local conditions, election committees may decide to start voting earlier, but not before 5:00 a.m., or extend it later, but not beyond 9:00 p.m., across more than 72,000 polling stations nationwide. In the election, voters will elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly, 2,552 members of provincial-level People’s Councils and 72,611 members of commune-level People’s Councils.
 A poster celebrating Election Day (Photo: Quynh Chi/VOV) |
From early morning, a festive atmosphere has filled many residential areas, with streets decorated with flags and flowers. Voters are eager to cast their ballots and exercise their civic rights. Each vote reflects voters’ trust and expectations for deputies who will speak for their legitimate interests.
The voters share their thoughts on Election Day:
“Holding a voter card and taking part in the election for the first time makes me feel very excited, proud and emotional. I will choose candidates who truly represent my will and aspirations and who can help improve people’s lives.”
“I have carefully studied the biographies of the candidates as well as the election regulations. I am ready to cast my vote for the candidates I trust the most.”
 Police in Nghinh Tuong commune (Thai Nguyen province) deploy security measures at the polling station. (Photo: Cao Thang/VOV) |
The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term is the first to take place following amendments to the Law on Elections.
Compared with previous elections, several important new features have been introduced. First, the election is being held two months earlier than in previous terms, while the timeline of the electoral process has been shortened. Second, the authority to determine polling areas and organize election-related tasks has been adjusted to align with the two-tier local government model. Third, greater transparency and public access have been promoted, along with expanded interaction in election campaigning methods. Fourth, information technology and digital transformation have been applied in the organization and management of the election.
These innovations reflect new thinking in election organization and implementation, as well as increasingly higher expectations for the quality of elected representatives to meet the country’s development needs in the new period.