Legislative, People’s Council elections underway
VGP – More than 69 million voters nationwide are casting ballots to elect 500 deputies to the 14th National Assembly; 3,918 members of provincial People’s Councils; 24,993 members of district-level People’s Councils; and 294,055 members of the commune-level People’s Councils.
The outcomes of the parliamentary election will be made public on June 11 while the outcomes of the People’s Council election will be available on June 1, according to the National Election Committee.
Election campaigns run by National Assembly and People’s Council candidates are allowed to carry on until 7am today – 24 hours before the official voting time. Candidates have been holding meetings since May 2 with more than 69 million citizens nationwide, accounting for about 76 per cent of the total population.
Though the official election day is set for May 22, some areas in 10 provinces held early voting due to transport difficulties for voters. Those areas included places along the coastline, offshore islands and places were voters would be working at sea on election day.
May 22 Election Day will also mark the first time people in custody have been able to vote thanks to a change of law last year.
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh yesterday asked for collaboration between the traffic police and relevant agencies to ensure safety for the general election.
Lieutenant-General Pham Hong Cu, aged 90, said he participated in all general elections, naming the first general election in 1976 as the ballot of unification.
Regarding his feelings for this year’s general election, he expressed his hope that Viet Nam will quickly escape from lagging behind economically in comparison with other countries in the region.
He also said the Party and State must continue fighting corruption, resolutely and perseveringly protecting the national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity./.
By Hai Minh
