On 13/3, voters on Hon Chuoi and Hon Khoai islands, located tens of nautical miles from the mainland, cast their ballots, two days ahead of the national election schedule. This early voting was necessary because travel between the islands and the mainland is heavily dependent on weather conditions.

On Hon Chuoi island, polling station number 3 was established at the Hon Chuoi Border Guard Post headquarters. This facility was prepared to accommodate 159 registered voters. Most Hon Chuoi residents live on rocky outcrops and fish rafts. To ensure everyone was informed, border guards utilized a "Border Guard Loudspeaker" system to publicize the election. They also delivered voter cards and candidate biographies directly to each fish raft.

Hon Chuoi island voters cast early ballots. Photo: An Minh

Nguyen Van Trung, a long-time island resident, stated he has participated in three elections on Hon Chuoi. He shared the community's primary concerns: a desire for stable electricity and domestic water supply to improve their lives. Residents also expect the newly elected delegates to prioritize the fish farming industry and the livelihoods of islanders.

Concurrently, on the Hon Khoai island cluster in Dat Mui commune, 292 voters cast their votes at polling area 4. This group included border guards, radar station personnel, lighthouse keepers, forest rangers, and construction workers.

Le Thanh Su, Political Commissar of Hon Khoai Border Guard Post, reported that the unit implemented comprehensive security and order plans. They also controlled residency and pier access to prevent omissions or duplicate voter registrations. Local authorities further ensured that offshore fishermen could come to the island 24 hours in advance to register and vote if they were unable to return to the mainland in time for the general election.

Upon completion, ballot boxes from both islands will be sealed and transported to the mainland before 15/3.

Forces on Hon Khoai cast their votes. Photo: An Minh

The Ca Mau Provincial Election Committee provided an overview of the election across the province. The province has 5 electoral units for National Assembly delegates, aiming to elect 13 representatives. Additionally, there are 18 electoral units for provincial People's Council delegates, electing 73 representatives.

At the commune level, the province features 485 electoral units for commune-level People's Council delegates. A total of 1,469 representatives will be elected across 64 communes and wards. Overall, the province has designated 1,604 polling areas to facilitate voter participation.

The nationwide election for delegates to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is scheduled for 15/3.

Chuc Ly