Voting Begins in Vietnam Legislative Election

Polling stations opened across Vietnam on Sunday as voters began casting ballots for the country’s National Assembly, the country’s top legislative body, which primarily ratifies decisions made by the ruling Communist Party.

Of the 864 candidates vying for 500 seats, only 65 are not party members.

In Hanoi, red-and-yellow banners celebrating the “national festival” of voting decorated streets and lampposts. 

Early voters, many elderly and dressed in suits or traditional attire, were among the first to cast their ballots.

“I do expect top leaders after this election will make major changes to make our country better,” said 73-year-old Nguyen Thi Kim at a polling station. 

When the new parliament convenes next month, one of its first tasks will be to confirm the top leadership already chosen by the party at its congress in January. This includes the president, prime minister, and head of the assembly.

General Secretary To Lam, reaffirmed at the congress, is widely expected to also become president, a role requiring parliamentary approval. 

This general election aims “to choose the most prestigious people to continue leading the country to more development,”  To Lam said on live television after voting.

Most polling stations will close at 7:00 pm local time (1200 GMT), with results not expected for at least a week.