Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly elections hailed as democratic and successful
The elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure were truly democratic, lawful, safe, cost-effective, and comprehensively successful, laying a firm foundation for the forthcoming National Assembly term – one defined by action, innovation, and development.
This statement was shared by Ta Thi Yen, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Deputy Affairs and Standing Deputy Chief of the National Election Council, during her discussion with Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper.
Highlighting the key factors behind the success of the recent elections, Yen emphasised that foremost was the close, comprehensive leadership of the Party and the decisive, timely guidance and administration of central agencies and localities. This ensured that preparations and organization were carried out correctly, in line with orientation and law, and uniformly across the nation.
Preparations were systematic, rigorous, and synchronized; voter turnout was high, with many localities approaching 100%. The quality of candidates and elected deputies was notably enhanced, with a more balanced structure and a greater proportion of full-time deputies. Moreover, the application of information technology in management, administration, and the announcement of results strengthened efficiency, accuracy, and transparency throughout the process.
Turning to the quality of the 16th National Assembly deputies, Yen underscored several positive developments: professional qualifications have been raised, operational experience broadened, and representativeness ensured more substantively, reflecting diverse social strata, regions, genders, and age groups.
She noted the increase in full-time deputies, which enhances the Assembly’s professionalism. The election results recorded a record-high proportion of full-time deputies at 40%, up 1.4 percentage points from the 15th term, with 100% of projected full-time deputies elected.
According to Yen, this outcome affirms the policy of building a professional National Assembly, a policy that has received strong consensus from voters and society, while demonstrating the quality of personnel preparation.
“A larger team of full-time deputies will help the National Assembly improve the quality of legislative work and strengthen the effectiveness of oversight activities. At the same time, the Assembly’s professionalism, continuity, and responsiveness to policy will be elevated,” Yen analyzed.
Today’s young deputies are genuinely prepared to contribute from the outset of the term, with capacities and mindsets aligned to the new development context, NDO reported.
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| Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly elections hailed as democratic and successful (Photo: VNA) |
On young deputies, Yen explained that while their proportion continues to be prioritised, the more striking development is the improvement in quality. Many young deputies have undergone rigorous training, hold high professional qualifications, some trained abroad, and bring experience in emerging fields such as the digital economy, science and technology, innovation, and modern governance. Their composition is more diverse, including not only state-sector representatives but also those from business, research institutes, and social organizations.
This demonstrates that today’s young deputies are genuinely prepared to contribute from the outset of the term, with capacities and mindsets aligned to the new development context.
In her conversation with Nhan Dan Newspaper, Yen also shared perspectives on digital transformation in the election and the National Assembly’s upcoming priorities to meet voter expectations.
Sending a message to the 16th National Assembly deputies, she expressed her hope that each would act with the utmost sense of responsibility, continuously strengthening their resolve, enhancing capacity, listening attentively, and faithfully reflecting the people’s will and aspirations, so that every decision truly serves national and ethnic interests.
To voters nationwide, she affirmed that the trust expressed through their ballots will continue to be accompanied, supervised, and supported throughout the term. Voter attention, follow-up, and feedback will remain a driving force for the National Assembly to operate ever more effectively and substantively.
Hue sets sights on becoming Vietnam’s leading green tourism city
The central city of Hue is stepping up efforts to position itself among Vietnam’s leading green tourism destinations, moving towards a net-zero tourism model with balanced emissions.
One notable example is the Ru Cha forest, the only remaining primary mangrove ecosystem on Tam Giang Lagoon, located in Hoa Chau ward, about 10km from downtown Hue. Covering more than 30 hectares, the site has become a popular eco-friendly destination for visitors.
The forest is home to various species such as Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia caseolaris, and nipa palms. A community-based model for environmental protection has proved effective in helping preserve the landscape. Waste bins and signage encouraging visitors not to litter and to protect the forest have been installed along access routes, cited VNA.
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| Ru Cha forest is the only remaining primary mangrove ecosystem on Tam Giang Lagoon, located in Hoa Chau ward, about 10km from downtown Hue. (Photo: VNA) |
Le Thi Ly, a visitor from Quang Tri province, said the forest is highly appealing thanks to its pristine beauty, fresh air, and notably clean environment free of waste.
In addition to Ru Cha, several community-based and plastic-reduction tourism sites – including the Thanh Toan tile-roofed bridge in Thanh Thuy ward, Ngu My Thanh – Con Toc fishing village in Dan Dien commune, and Chuon Lagoon in My Thuong ward – are contributing to changing public awareness and behaviour regarding environmental protection, thereby promoting sustainable tourism.
At these destinations, local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants, and homestay service suppliers are embracing green practices by reducing plastic waste and utilising recycled materials. Visitors are also guided to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours during their stay.
Under Plan No. 168/KH-UBND issued on March 27 by the municipal People’s Committee on improving the quality of the tourism environment through 2030, Hue aims to become one of Vietnam’s top green tourism cities by 2030, moving towards net-zero tourism by 2050.
The plan sets key targets, including ensuring that all tourism sites are equipped with standard waste collection and sorting systems; all public tourist areas, beaches, and rest stops are provided with adequate bins for waste sorting at source; and all destinations adopt codes of conduct linked to environmental protection. The city also aims to cut plastic waste and nylon bag use by at least 30% at heritage sites and tourist attractions.
To achieve these goals, Hue is rolling out a range of solutions, including establishing an effective management system to promptly address emerging issues in tourism activities, raising public awareness of environmental, cultural, and social values, investing in technical infrastructure, and strengthening the policy framework. The city is also accelerating the application of technology in tourism management to enhance both sustainability and visitor experience.
Ho Chi Minh City to stage fireworks for Reunification Day anniversary
Ho Chi Minh City will stage an artistic fireworks display to mark the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2026), under a plan issued by the municipal People’s Committee.
The city will organize the “Unified Nation” festival to commemorate the anniversary alongside the 140th anniversary of International Workers’ Day (May 1, 1886-May 1, 2026).
As part of the program, exhibitions will be held on Dong Khoi Street, at Chi Lang Park, on Ba Cu Street in Vung Tau ward, and at the administrative centre of Binh Duong province.
Commemorative activities will include visits to martyrs’ cemeteries and incense- and flower-offering ceremonies in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and President Ton Duc Thang, VOV reported.
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| Fireworks are set off to mark the 51st anniversary of Reunification Day in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: Illustrative image) |
A range of cultural, artistic and sports activities is also planned. An art performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 29 at Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, the outdoor stage at the central park of the new urban area, and Tam Thang Square.
The fireworks display is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on April 30. The Department of Culture and Sports has been assigned by the municipal People’s Committee to coordinate with the city’s High Command to prepare a separate plan.
The city will also install artistic street lighting and organize the 50th Ho Chi Minh City Open Traditional April 30 Cross-Country Championship in 2026.
The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has assigned the city’s Veterans Association to organize a meeting with generals of the Vietnam People’s Army, public security generals and notable historical witnesses who took part in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.
People’s Committees at ward, commune and special administrative levels have been instructed to develop plans tailored to local conditions, including meetings and cultural and sports activities in a practical and cost-effective manner.
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