Overseas Vietnamese in Japan Voice Expectations for New Policy Directions Ahead of National Elections

	Four Fundamental Principles Ensuring Democracy in Vietnam’s Elections
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Amid the joyful nationwide atmosphere ahead of the elections for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, scheduled to take place on March 15, voters across the country are exercising their rights and civic duties, contributing to the selection of outstanding representatives who embody the will and aspirations of the people.

Banners welcoming the country’s important political event are installed at the headquarters of the Hanoi People’s Council and People’s Committee. (Photo: Nguyen Thang/VNA)

Joining this nationwide spirit, Nguyen Duy Anh, Honorary President of the Vietnamese Association in Fukuoka (Japan) and Secretary-General of the Global Network for Teaching Vietnamese Language and Culture, has arranged his work to return to Vietnam and participate directly in the voting.

On this occasion, a correspondent of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Japan spoke with Nguyen Duy Anh to hear his reflections on the significance of this election as well as the sentiments and sense of responsibility that the overseas Vietnamese community holds toward their homeland.

Assessing the activities of the 15th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 term, Nguyen Duy Anh noted that the past term has left many important marks in institutional improvement, socio-economic development, and enhancing the effectiveness of state governance.

In a context where the world and the region have undergone numerous fluctuations, the National Assembly has demonstrated its role as the highest state authority, adopting many timely decisions to support economic recovery and development, ensure social welfare, and promote institutional reform, digital transformation, scientific and technological advancement, and international integration.

Voters in Ea Kao Ward, Dak Lak Province study the biographies of electoral candidates. (Photo: Nguyen Dung/VNA)

At the local level, People’s Councils have increasingly affirmed their role as representatives of the people’s will and aspirations, contributing to stronger supervision and governance, thereby creating an important foundation for the country’s sustainable development in the coming period.

According to Nguyen Duy Anh, the decision to hold the upcoming National Assembly and People’s Council elections two months earlier than usual aims to promptly consolidate senior leadership personnel in line with the Party’s guidelines and practical requirements. This demonstrates the proactive approach of the Party and the State in strengthening the leadership apparatus and ensuring stability and continuity in national governance.

As Vietnam enters a new era of development - an era of national rise - and as the two-tier local government model is implemented with a more streamlined administrative system, the early consolidation of personnel will help state agencies quickly move toward stable, effective, and efficient operations.

This is considered a necessary step in preparing for the implementation of major development orientations outlined at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, particularly in the fields of science and technology, digital transformation, green economy, and international integration.

Discussing the requirements for deputies to the new National Assembly and members of People’s Councils at all levels during the country’s new development phase, Nguyen Duy Anh emphasized that representatives should possess three key qualities.

First is courage and strategic vision to participate in formulating long-term policies serving the country’s development goals toward 2030 with a vision to 2045.

Second is a strong sense of responsibility and close connection with the people, enabling them to listen to and faithfully reflect voters’ opinions, thereby ensuring that decisions of the National Assembly and local authorities are grounded in real-life circumstances.

Nguyen Duy Anh, Honorary President of the Vietnamese Association in Fukuoka (Japan), gives an interview to a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent. (Photo: Nguyen Tuyen/VNA)

In addition, in the context of globalization and digital transformation, deputies also need innovative thinking and the capacity for international integration in order to approach emerging global development trends during the policymaking process.

Addressing the role of parliamentary diplomacy amid rapidly evolving international and regional dynamics, Nguyen Duy Anh said it is an important channel for enhancing mutual understanding, building trust, and promoting cooperation among nations.

According to him, Vietnam should continue to play a proactive role in regional and international parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). He noted that the external activities of Vietnam’s National Assembly during the past term have been highly dynamic, with numerous visits and working trips by National Assembly leaders to many countries, including Japan, as well as participation in various international parliamentary forums.

These activities not only help strengthen bilateral relations between countries but also enhance the standing of Vietnam’s parliamentary diplomacy on the international stage.

He added that when parliamentary channels are strengthened, the environment for cooperation among nations becomes more favorable, thereby opening up additional opportunities in areas such as the economy, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Nguyen Duy Anh also noted that stronger connections with overseas Vietnamese communities could support parliamentary diplomacy, as overseas Vietnamese serve as a natural bridge between Vietnam and their host countries.

In the coming period, Vietnam should continue to promote its proactive role in regional and international parliamentary forums while strengthening delegation exchanges and sharing experiences in legislation and national governance.

When parliamentary diplomacy is implemented alongside state and people-to-people diplomacy, the overall strength of Vietnam’s external relations will be better promoted, directly serving the country’s development in the new phase.

Sharing his decision to return to Vietnam to vote in person in this election, Nguyen Duy Anh said the decision carries great significance for him.

Although he has lived and worked abroad for many years, he has always been aware that he remains a Vietnamese citizen and has the responsibility to participate in the country’s important political events.

This is also the first time he has returned to Vietnam to directly exercise his voting right since moving abroad, making the experience particularly meaningful.

According to him, each ballot represents not only a citizen’s right but also a message of trust and expectation placed in the elected representatives who will embody the people’s will and contribute to the country’s strong development in the new stage.

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