Overseas Vietnamese in Japan Voice Expectations for New Policy Directions Ahead of National Elections
	Yen Lang Commune (Hanoi) “Finishes Early” in Election Preparations

Representatives of Coast Guard Region 3 encourage forces participating in early voting while performing duties at sea.

At a time when the entire Party, people, and armed forces are actively preparing for this significant national event, hostile forces, reactionary elements, and political opportunists have intensified their disruptive activities through increasingly sophisticated schemes and tactics. This reality requires the timely identification and resolute refutation of distorted narratives intended to obstruct an event of special importance, thereby strengthening public confidence in the Party, the State, and the political system.

The 2026-2031 election takes place as the country enters a new stage of development marked by both opportunities and challenges. After nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (renewal), Vietnam’s capacity, position, and international prestige have continued to rise. The economy has maintained stable growth, with GDP ranking among the largest in ASEAN. The national digital transformation process, building a digital government, digital economy, and digital society, has been vigorously advanced. Meanwhile, efforts to build and rectify the Party and to combat corruption, wastefulness, and negative practices have achieved significant results, leaving a clear imprint on the country’s socio-political life.

The 2026-2031 term will be a pivotal period for implementing strategic objectives toward 2030, marking the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and looking ahead to 2045, the 100th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Therefore, selecting truly exemplary deputies, those with strong moral qualities, competence, and courage, who dare to think, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility before the people, will be decisive for the quality of policy-making and the effectiveness of oversight of state power.

Experience from the election of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2021–2026 term, as well as previous terms, shows that whenever such events approach, the online space becomes flooded with false and distorted information. These include rumors, misrepresentations of the consultation process, and fabricated allegations about the qualifications of candidates, all aimed at sowing suspicion in public opinion. Similar tactics have reappeared in preparation for the 2026–2031 term, now carried out with greater sophistication and fully exploiting the rapid spread of social media and cross-border platforms.

One familiar narrative is the distortion of the democratic nature of the election, claiming that the nomination and consultation process is “imposed” or “lacks competition.” However, under the 2013 Constitution and the Law on the Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils (2015), as amended and supplemented in 2025, the consultation process chaired by the Vietnam Fatherland Front is conducted openly and democratically through multiple rounds. It ensures the participation of member organizations and voters in both places of residence and workplaces. Steps for collecting opinions and votes of confidence are conducted publicly and recorded in accordance with regulations. This multi-stage process serves as a necessary filtering mechanism to select individuals who are both virtuous and capable, and who can truly represent the will and aspirations of the people.

Another tactic is the exploitation of the right to self-nomination to create the image of a “victim.” When failing to meet eligibility standards or lacking the trust of voters, some individuals immediately accuse the system of “excluding them because of differing views.” In reality, Vietnamese law respects and guarantees citizens’ rights to stand for election and to vote. However, all candidates must meet common standards prescribed by law and receive the trust of voters. When certain individuals who violate the law or make extremist statements nonetheless demand “political privileges,” it reflects personal motives rather than the interests of the broader community.

In the context of rapid digital transformation, disruptive activities are primarily carried out in cyberspace. Malicious actors use edited videos, manipulated images, and artificial intelligence applications to create fabricated content that misrepresents statements by leaders or distorts information about election preparations. Some websites also deliberately draw biased comparisons between Vietnam’s political model and those of other countries, thereby spreading skepticism and denying the leadership role of the Party.

The deeper objective behind these narratives and tactics is not merely to create information disorder at a sensitive moment, but also to gradually erode public trust in the political system. When trust is undermined, the legitimacy of state power institutions may be called into question, creating a “gap” through which misguided ideas can infiltrate. This constitutes a link in the strategy of “peaceful evolution,” promoting “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” within the system. Recognizing this objective helps ensure that responses are grounded in law and reality rather than driven by emotional debates.

Over many terms, the organization of elections in Vietnam has demonstrated the scientific, democratic, and humane nature of the current mechanism. The 2021 election recorded a voter turnout rate of 99.57%, reflecting the people’s strong sense of responsibility toward their civic rights and duties. Despite the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, polling stations were carefully organized to ensure safety. The organization of early voting for armed forces performing duties at borders and on islands, as well as for citizens working far from the mainland, clearly demonstrates the commitment to safeguarding the political rights of every citizen. These experiences are being inherited and further promoted in preparations for the 2026-2031 term.

Alongside personnel preparations, efforts to ensure election security and safety are being implemented comprehensively. Functional forces have proactively developed plans to safeguard cybersecurity, promptly detect and handle accounts spreading false information, and strengthen coordination between state management agencies and platform providers to prevent harmful content. Communication and public outreach efforts are being intensified with diverse formats and accessible, practical content. Many talk shows and online Q&A forums have been organized to promptly address public concerns, enhancing openness and transparency. The atmosphere of preparation for the national event is spreading throughout society, reinforcing consensus and confidence.

In the face of disruptive activities by hostile forces, the participation of the entire political system is a key factor. Alongside the efforts of competent authorities, each citizen should enhance their “resilience” against sensational information and refrain from sharing unverified content. This is also a practical way to safeguard one’s own political rights and interests.

At the same time, beyond refuting distortions, continuing to improve institutions and enhance the quality of elected representatives carries long-term significance. When the activities of the National Assembly and People’s Councils become increasingly professional and effective; when the voices of voters are heard and faithfully reflected in parliamentary forums; and when supervision and decisions on important national issues meet development demands, such vivid realities will serve as the most convincing evidence of the correctness of the system. Clearly identifying, resolutely countering distortions, and disseminating accurate and positive information will help ensure that the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term truly becomes a nationwide festival - a celebration of trust, responsibility, and the aspiration for a prosperous and happy country.

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