Voters’ highest responsibility is thoroughly understanding candidates they elect

Prior to the election day of Deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure, Vietnam Times Magazine had an interview with the NA General Secretary, Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong on the preparation for the important event as well as his personal thoughts after nearly one month of assuming the new position.
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Voters’ highest responsibility is thoroughly understanding candidates they elect
General Secretary of the National Assembly, Chairman of the National Assembly Office Bui Van Cuong. Photo: Quang Vinh

Localities need to promote propaganda

- Could you give your inital thoughts about the preparation for election day?

To date, the preparation for election day has been implemented in accordance with Politburo's Directive No. 45 and Plan No.42 /KH-HĐBCQG dated January 19, 2021, made by the National Election Council. Specifically, agencies in charge of the election at the central and local levels have been established on schedule, with numbers and members in line with the laws, operating according to the functions, tasks, and powers; the competent authorities has completed the promulgation of documents on directing and guiding the election.

The introduction of candidates for the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure has been carried out in accordance with the process. The National Election Council and the Election Commissions at all levels have publicly posted the list of candidates in line with the law.

Besides, polling sites have a thorough preparation on human resources and essential conditions. Popularizing for election has been deployed nationwide with various activities, contents, and forms.

- How have polling sites prepared for handling denunciations from citizens?

The relevant units have actively drawn up plans in receiving and dealing with denunciations from citizens timely, objectively, and accurately so that the election process can take place smoothly.

- How has the current complex Covid-19 situation affected the election?

Localities have been directed to make plans for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, especially focusing on popularizing and reminding voters to strictly adhere to the anti-pandemic measures while going to the polls.

- How are these conclusions obtained? Through supervision or reports from localities?

It’s through supervision. The localities have proactively implemented the preparation for the election in accordance with the plan, direction, and guidance of the authorities.

-In order to ensure a successful election, what should localities prioritize?

From now until Election Day (May 23, 2021), in my opinion, localities need to promote propaganda in diverse forms and contents.

- Sir, to dismiss fake news about the election, which issues need to be noted?

In my perspective, we need to strengthen propaganda against false information aiming to destroy the election, taking advantage of the event to incite and divide the solidarity among citizens, distort the Party and State.

- From the perspective of a voter, how do you want voters to learn about and choose deputies?

I want voters to spend time carefully learn about competence, qualification, ethical quality, work history, etc of each candidate; Neighborhoods and residential areas can organize for residents to discuss candidates or organize meetings between candidates and voters, thereby helping voters to select the best deputies meeting standards of the NA.

Voters’ highest responsibility is thoroughly understanding candidates they elect
Voters’ highest responsibility is thoroughly understanding the candidates they elect. Photo: Quang Vinh

I expect the National Assembly can institutionalize breakthrough policies set out by the 13th National Party Congress

- For you, this NA election will definitely have a special significance as you took new position. How do you feel when elected as the NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office with a high voting rate of more than 96%?

It was both great honor, responsibility, and pressure on how to fulfill the assigned tasks and meet the trust and expectations of the NA and voters.

The achievements attained by the Former NA Secretary General will be a solid foundation and lesson for me when assuming this position.

- What made you surprised when you were elected to this position, Sir?

Since assuming this position, I am still quite surprised by the workload of the NA Office. With its functions and duties as an administrative body and general advisor to the NA, so, the nature and workload of the NA Office are quite heavy and diverse. In particular, when I took office, the election of Deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure entered the sprint time, with a lot of work need to be completed on schedule.

- How does your experience as a leader in both central and local levels previously help you in this new position?

As a Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, I gained experience in leadership, administration, and management of the work of the Party Committee in many fields such as politics, economics, culture, defense, security, etc which serves as an advantage for me in this new position.

In addition, the practical experience that I got when holding positions in the central agencies will be a favorable basis for me to continue studying and finalizing the regulations on the organization and operation of the NA Office.

Voters’ highest responsibility is thoroughly understanding candidates they elect

The list of voters is publicly posted in Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Photo: Dang Khoa

- What are some of the challenges that need to be paid attention to when you assume the position of the NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office?

In my opinion, it is necessary to focus on providing the best service to the Election of Deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure; timely institutionalize documents of the 13th National Party Congress and Resolutions of the Government; at the same time, continuing reforming and finalizing the organization structure and operation in a professional, and effective manner.

- With the expectations of the national voters, what do you expect in the new NA?

I do hope that the new NA can institutionalize breakthrough policies set out by the 13th National Party Congress, such as perfecting the socio-economic development regime and the organization structure and officers, etc. These are prerequisites for the nation to continue developing rapidly and sustainably.

I also hope that it will enhance the quality of national governance, especially ensuring the rule of law, transparency, accountability, voters’ participation, social equality, etc.

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