Speaking at a conference on election work on the morning of 15/11, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the election for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is a significant political event for the nation.

This 16th election coincides with the 80th anniversary of the first general election. A successful election will establish a crucial foundation for building and consolidating the State apparatus for the new term, paving the way for the successful implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party.

Regarding personnel work, the General Secretary highlighted its pivotal role in the election process. The nomination of candidates must be conducted with transparency, openness, and broad consultation from grassroots levels, linking directly to cadre planning and the outcomes of Party congresses at all levels.

The structure of deputies should ensure harmonious representation across sectors, social strata, genders, age groups, and regions. An appropriate proportion of full-time deputies, female deputies, young deputies, ethnic minority deputies, intellectuals, workers, farmers, businesspeople, artists, and religious dignitaries is sought. This structure aims for the National Assembly and People's Councils to genuinely reflect the vibrant unity of the entire nation.

General Secretary To Lam delivering his directive at the conference on election work on the morning of 15/11. Photo: Hoang Phong

He also stressed that while achieving the required number and structure of deputies is important, quality must be paramount. Deputies must genuinely represent the people, voice their concerns, address their issues, and protect their legitimate interests. They must be exemplary in character and competence, possess firm political resolve, and demonstrate both virtue and talent. Nominated individuals must also have the health and time to participate and fulfill their responsibilities effectively if elected.

"We need to prioritize nominating individuals with innovative thinking, who dare to think, speak, act, and take responsibility; who possess vision and the capacity to participate in policy formulation that fosters local and national development in the new period," he stated.

Concurrently, the General Secretary urged thorough screening and the resolute elimination, from the outset, of individuals exhibiting political opportunism, power ambition, conservatism, factionalism, or localism. This also applies to individuals with low prestige, poor ethics, dishonesty, or those currently under investigation by functional agencies for signs of violations.

The General Secretary further called for an assessment of past instances where National Assembly and People's Council deputies faced disciplinary action or exploited their positions and authority to violate laws. Lessons learned from these cases should guide the selection of personnel for the next term. This is a critical requirement to uphold discipline and the integrity of the cadre force, ensuring that the elected bodies in the next term truly comprise exemplary, incorruptible deputies who prioritize the interests of the nation, the people, and the country above all else.

The entire negotiation process must be conducted democratically, objectively, openly, and transparently. Specifically, the General Secretary called for increased inspection and supervision, resolutely preventing negative phenomena such as unhealthy campaigning, "buying" candidacies, "buying" votes, or group interests distorting the election's meaning.

The General Secretary also encouraged localities to generate an atmosphere of excitement and consensus in society, motivating all voters to actively and voluntarily participate in the election. The goal is to achieve the highest voter turnout, demonstrating a sense of responsibility towards the country, rather than merely "casting a vote to get it over with."

Regarding security and safety, he directed functional forces to proactively develop effective response plans for unusual situations such as natural disasters, floods, epidemics, and extreme weather. All complaints and denunciations related to the election must be resolved promptly and in accordance with the law.

Furthermore, he requested the promotion of information technology application in managing and conducting election work. This ranges from establishing and updating voter lists and supporting negotiations to reporting election results. Functional agencies must pay particular attention to ensuring network security and information confidentiality, preventing errors or data leaks.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. Photo: Hoang Phong

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man stated that immediately following this conference, the National Assembly Standing Committee, the National Election Council, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and provinces and cities will intensify leadership, guidance, and implementation according to legal timelines.

In the immediate future, the National Assembly and relevant agencies will decide on the structure, composition, and allocation of candidates for the National Assembly and People's Councils. They will also proceed with negotiation, selection, and nomination of candidates, followed by the establishment and announcement of candidate lists.

The deployment of election work involves a significant volume of tasks, taking place nationwide and coinciding with preparations for the Lunar New Year. The National Assembly Chairman urged agencies to strive, utilize their time efficiently, and work with a spirit of overcoming challenges, acting decisively for national and ethnic interests.

"This is the moment for leaders of Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front, and mass organizations to demonstrate their endurance, ability to withstand pressure, and work intensity," Tran Thanh Man emphasized.

Son Ha