Voting began across Vietnam on Sunday as polling stations opened for elections to choose members of the country’s legislative body, the National Assembly of Vietnam. The vote is widely expected to be a largely one-sided contest, with the majority of candidates affiliated with the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam.
According to local media reports, a total of 864 candidates are contesting seats in the 500-member National Assembly. Among them, only 65 candidates are not members of the Communist Party, highlighting the party’s dominant position in Vietnam’s political system.
The National Assembly plays a key role in the country’s governance structure, although it primarily functions to approve and formalize policies and decisions proposed by the Communist Party leadership. The legislature also passes laws, approves government appointments, and oversees the implementation of state policies.
Sunday’s election will determine representatives who will serve in the 16th National Assembly for the 2026–2031 term. In addition to national-level representatives, voters are also electing members of People’s Councils at provincial, district and commune levels during the same voting process.
Early reports from several localities indicated strong voter participation in the early hours after polling stations opened. According to the English-language newspaper Vietnam Plus, many communities reported enthusiastic turnout as citizens arrived to cast their ballots.
Some areas recorded particularly high participation rates during the initial stages of voting. In Bach Long Vi, a special administrative zone belonging to Hai Phong, authorities reported that turnout had reached 100 percent early in the day.
Other areas also saw significant participation levels. In Phu Thuan located in Da Nang, voter turnout reached 55.1 percent during the early voting period. Meanwhile, participation reached 70.91 percent in An Lac in Bac Ninh and 77.38 percent in Long Quang in Hue.
The turnout figures were provided by Ta Thi Yen, vice chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Deputy Affairs and standing deputy chief of the Office of the National Election Council.
Vietnam’s top political leader, To Lam, described the election as a significant national event reflecting the political participation of citizens.
Speaking after casting his ballot, To Lam said the election demonstrates the public’s freedom and their right to participate in the governance of the country.
“This general election aims to choose the most prestigious people to continue leading the country to more development,” he said.
Authorities estimate that nearly 79 million eligible voters across the country are expected to take part in the election. Polling stations opened early Sunday morning and will remain open throughout the day, allowing citizens across Vietnam’s provinces and municipalities to cast their votes.
Voting is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. local time, after which election officials will begin the process of collecting and verifying ballots.
Officials have indicated that the final results may take at least a week to be formally announced. The counting process involves multiple stages of verification at local and national levels before the official results are confirmed.
Elections in Vietnam differ significantly from those in many multiparty political systems. While independent candidates can technically stand for office, the candidate selection process is closely overseen by the Communist Party and affiliated organizations.
Potential candidates typically undergo a multi-step screening process before appearing on the final ballot. The procedure is intended to ensure that candidates meet political, professional and ethical standards defined by the state.
As a result, the vast majority of candidates are members of the Communist Party or individuals endorsed by party-affiliated organizations.
Despite the limited number of independent candidates, Vietnamese authorities often emphasize that elections provide citizens with an opportunity to participate in national governance and contribute to the country’s development.
The National Assembly elected in this vote will play a central role in shaping Vietnam’s legislative agenda for the next five years. Its responsibilities include reviewing economic policies, approving national budgets, and passing legislation related to social, economic and security matters.
The assembly also has the authority to elect or approve key leadership positions within the government, including the president, the prime minister and other senior officials.
Observers say the elections will likely reaffirm the political dominance of the Communist Party while maintaining continuity in Vietnam’s leadership structure.
For millions of Vietnamese citizens, the election represents an opportunity to take part in a nationwide political event that helps determine the composition of the country’s legislative institutions for the next five-year period.
As polling continues throughout the day, authorities across Vietnam are monitoring turnout and logistical operations at thousands of polling stations nationwide.
The final outcome of the vote will determine the makeup of the 16th National Assembly and the local People’s Councils that will govern communities across the country through 2031.
