NEC Office leader calls for full readiness ahead of Election Day

With only days remaining before the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure, General Secretary of the National Assembly (NA), Chairman of the NA Office and Chief of the National Election Council (NEC) Office Le Quang Manh has called for thorough reviews, strict coordination and timely handling of any issues emerging to guarantee a lawful, safe and transparent election, truthfully reflecting the will and aspirations of voters.

Preparations progressing on schedule

Speaking to the press, Manh said election preparations nationwide have been carried out concertedly, methodically, on schedule and in line with legal regulations under central authorities' unified leadership and close coordination among agencies.

At the central level, the NEC has issued all 27 legally required documents, along with 14 additional resolutions and guidance documents and 34 professional instructions addressing practical issues such as voter listing, candidate consultations, security arrangements and information technology application, creating a sufficient legal corridor for the entire election process, ensuring consistency, and minimising errors, even the smallest.

The official list of 864 candidates for the 16th NA was announced ahead of schedule, ensuring proper structure and representation. Candidate nomination and verification procedures were conducted rigorously and transparently through multiple consultation rounds, with opinions from voters at both residential places and workplaces of candidates taken into account, a key step for ensuring candidate quality.

At the local level, election committees were established on tim, while lists of more than 73 million voters have been publicised across 72,195 polling stations nationwide. List updates have been conducted continuously and compared with the resident database. Preparations covering ballot boxes, polling venues, security, fire prevention and contingency plans have been completed down to residential communities and villages.

He noted that basic conditions for the Election Day on March 15 have largely been ensured, though continued careful review remains essential during the final stage.

According to Manh, this election introduces several important changes. It will be the first election held following the implementation of a two-tier local administration model, which expands the management scope of each administrative unit and requires broader voter engagement by candidates.

Digital transformation is also playing a stronger role, with voter lists cross-checked against the national resident database and supported by platforms such as VNeID to enhance accuracy. However, he emphasised that technology serves only as a supporting tool while human responsibility remains decisive.

The election timeline has been shortened compared to previous terms, demanding closer coordination and stronger discipline across agencies.

Meanwhile, the number of full-time NA deputies is expected to increase to 145 at the central level and 55 at grassroots level to improve professionalism and legislative effectiveness, said the official.

Manh cited NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man as stressing that amid many new features of this time's election, prudence is critically important to every step to ensure success for the election.

Key tasks in final phase

Regarding major tasks until the Election Day, Manh outlined four priority tasks for the entire political system, especially at the grassroots level.

First, authorities must continue updating voter data to fully safeguard citizens’ voting rights, ensuring accuracy and inclusiveness, especially in remote areas, islands and armed forces units.

Second, meetings between candidates and voters must be organised substantively to allow meaningful dialogue and public supervision of candidates’ action programmes.

Third, localities must strengthen coordination among relevant forces to ensure comprehensive security, closely monitor cyberspace and promptly address misinformation that could affect the election.

Fourth, voting and vote-counting procedures must be strictly carried out, with election staff receiving thorough training to avoid even minor errors and ensure transparency in announcing results.

He stressed that election organisation must go hand in hand with performing socio-economic development tasks and defence – security duties, maintaining stability in daily life while fostering public confidence so that the election is a true democratic and responsible political drive nationwide.

Expressing confidence in the overall preparations, Manh said he expects the election to be successful and to produce a contingent of capable and responsible deputies for both the NA and People’s Councils.

He stressed that the success of the election will not only be measured by voter turnout but also by the effectiveness of elected bodies afterward in performing legislative, supervisory and decision-making functions.

The election, he added, will further strengthen public trust in the Party and State through transparent organisation, open voter engagement and respect for their opinions.

“When people clearly feel their right to mastery is respected and guaranteed, that is the deepest value of a democratic election,” he underscored.