VNeID Supports Voters in Looking Up Polling Stations and Candidate Lists
	Overseas Vietnamese in Japan Voice Expectations for New Policy Directions Ahead of National Elections

Dr. Michael Parsons (Australia) lived for 14 years in Vinh Phuc Ward (Hanoi) and directly observed elections held in the locality. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)

- Vietnam is preparing to hold elections for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. What are your impressions of the preparations for this important political event?

I am currently in Australia, so I mainly follow the preparations for the election through the media. From what I have observed, it is clear that Vietnamese media outlets are paying significant attention to this event, with numerous articles, reports, and fairly comprehensive analyses of election preparations in different localities. Such extensive and in-depth coverage helps the public closely follow the electoral process while also conveying the scale and importance of this major political event. This is particularly meaningful as it will be the first election held after Vietnam has implemented important reforms in its governance apparatus and administrative system, especially the introduction of the two-tier local government model.

Previously, during the 14 years I lived in Vinh Phuc Ward (Hanoi), I had the opportunity to directly observe elections taking place in the locality. Voting was usually organized at the ward’s cultural house, where residents in the area came to exercise their citizens' rights. In the days leading up to the election, detailed information about each candidate, along with a portrait photo and a brief biography, was publicly posted in this area for residents to review. I often saw people gathering around these information boards to read, exchange views, and discuss the candidates. This shows that citizens are genuinely interested in the electoral process and are provided with sufficient information to make their choices responsibly.

On election day, the atmosphere at polling stations is often very lively and strongly community-oriented. Many women wear ao dai, while men dress formally when going to vote, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and welcoming. The organization at polling stations is quite effective: although large numbers of voters turn out, order is well maintained, and the voting process proceeds smoothly and quickly. After casting their ballots, voters are guided to move outside the voting area to make space for the next voters.

It is precisely these images that give me the sense that election day in many localities in Vietnam resembles a community “festival” - a time when people not only exercise their rights but also demonstrate their interest in and responsibility toward the country’s political life.

- In your view, how does election organization and public participation in Vietnam differ from elections in Australia?

In Australia, elections are also organized at both the national and local levels. One notable feature is that voting in Australia is compulsory for eligible citizens. Under federal electoral law, Australian citizens aged 18 and above must register on the electoral roll and participate in elections. If a voter fails to vote without a valid reason, the Australian Electoral Commission will send a letter requesting an explanation and may impose an administrative fine.

In Vietnam, voting is defined as a right of citizens. What impressed me is that Vietnamese people participate in elections with a strong sense of responsibility. During the times I observed elections in the locality where I lived, voter turnout was always very high and the atmosphere at polling stations was very lively.

Regarding how information is provided to voters, in Australia the authorities do not post detailed candidate information at polling stations as is done in Vietnam. Instead, candidates themselves actively communicate information about their backgrounds and campaign platforms through the media, advertisements, posters on the streets, television, newspapers, or letters sent directly to voters.

The atmosphere at polling stations in Australia is generally friendly and relaxed. People usually dress casually rather than formally when going to vote. An interesting aspect of Australia’s election culture is that charities or community groups often sell hot food, especially grilled sausages, to raise funds near polling stations. This activity has become so familiar that Australians jokingly call it the “democracy sausage,” a fun symbol of the friendly nature of election culture in Australia.

Children enjoy “democracy sausages” outside Australia’s Parliament House on the day of voting for the 2023 referendum. (Photo: moadoph.gov.au)

- From your perspective, how has the role of the National Assembly been reflected in Vietnam’s development and international integration?

Vietnam’s National Assembly plays a central role in building and improving the legal system, thereby creating a foundation for the country’s socio-economic development and international integration. Over the years, laws and policies adopted by the National Assembly have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s achievements in poverty reduction, economic growth, and the expansion of international trade relations, particularly since the country joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). The National Assembly’s ratification of many important international treaties, such as the three Rio environmental conventions, has also helped Vietnam integrate more deeply into global governance mechanisms, especially in the areas of environmental protection and sustainable development.

I am particularly impressed by the 2008 Law on Biodiversity, which has been regarded as pioneering globally in combining biodiversity conservation objectives with a pro-poor orientation. At that time, in my capacity as an environmental specialist with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) working at Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment during discussions on the draft law. Through that experience, I gained a deeper appreciation of the quiet yet extremely important work carried out by the National Assembly’s specialized committees - bodies that play a key role in researching, refining policies, and supporting the legislative process.

For the upcoming 16th National Assembly of Vietnam, I hope the country’s legislative body will continue to promote sustainable development policies, particularly those aimed at improving people’s livelihoods and supporting vulnerable groups in society. As Vietnam moves toward its goal of becoming a high-income country through digital transformation and modernization efforts, the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ensuring clean water, clean air, green transportation, and clean energy for all citizens, will be of great significance.

On the occasion of Vietnam preparing to hold elections for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, I would like to extend my best wishes to the people of Vietnam. I believe that the 16th National Assembly - the first to be elected after the implementation of the new administrative reforms - will play an important role in ensuring that these reforms are carried out effectively. The National Assembly’s legislative activities will contribute to promoting stronger cohesion and deeper integration among newly merged administrative units, thereby creating new drivers of development and ensuring that no one is left behind.

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