(VOVWORLD) - Preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term have been basically completed.
 At the press conference on preparations for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term (Photo: Do Minh) |
Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on Thursday, NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh, who is a member of the National Election Council (NEC), said the election, held after the 14th National Party Congress and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s first general election, is a particularly important political event.
“Agencies across the political system, from the central to local levels, have exerted efforts to prepare for this great national event, closely following directions of the Party and the National Election Council. The preparations have been made in a comprehensive, democratic, lawful, safe, and cost-effective manner,” said Ms. Thanh.
 NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh chairs a press conference in Hanoi on March 12, 2026. (Photo: Do Minh) |
Nationwide, authorities have set up 34 provincial election committees, 3,320 commune-level election committees, 182 election boards for NA deputies, 724 boards for provincial People’s Councils, more than 22,000 boards for commune-level People’s Councils, and over 72,000 polling teams.
A total of 864 candidates are running for 500 NA seats. Female candidates account for 45.4%, candidates under 40 years old make up 21.6%, and ethnic minority candidates 21.8%, non-Party members 7.4%, and incumbent deputies seeking re-election 27%.
Ta Thi Yen, Vice Chairwoman of the NA’s Committee for Deputy Affairs and Standing Deputy Chief of the NEC’s Office, said, “In regards to personnel preparation, agencies, organizations, and localities have attached special importance to combining qualification, quality, and the structure of representatives.”
“In addition to ensuring that candidates meet the required criteria in political integrity, ethics, competence, and credibility, attention has also been given to the proportion of female, young candidates, ethnic minorities, non-Party members, and re-elected deputies, all in line with the set targets and requirements.”
Also at the press conference, the Election Press Center was inaugurated.