Millions of people in Vietnam to vote for a new legislature in the general election

Hanoi, Vietnam — Voters in Vietnam cast their ballots on Sunday to elect a new National Assembly, two months after the ruling Communist Party re-elected leader Tu Lam to the country’s top political post.

About 79 million voters across the country are eligible to elect 500 representatives from 864 candidates to rubber-stamp the National Assembly. All candidates are vetted and pre-approved by the Communist Party, ensuring that the assembly aligns with the party’s political direction.

The Communist Party tightly controls political activity, arguing that centralized leadership allows the country to pursue long-term development goals without disruption.

The new National Assembly is expected to implement the policy agenda shaped by the Congress, prioritizing sustained economic growth and political stability.

The election follows the Communist Party’s National Congress in January, a political event held every five years that sets the country’s leadership ranks and policy priorities. At the Congress, Lam was re-elected as General Secretary, the most powerful position in the political system.

“We have the support of the people in this election,” Lam said after voting in Hanoi, describing the vote as a national ritual where citizens elect representatives to guide development and safeguard the country’s sovereignty and stability.

Vietnam’s economy has expanded rapidly over the past decade, driven by manufacturing exports, foreign investment and its growing role in global supply chains. The country has established itself as an alternative manufacturing hub as companies diversify away from China, attracting major electronics and textile manufacturers.

It now has an ambitious target of 10% or more annual economic growth over the next five years, putting the private sector at the center of its development strategy in a significant shift for the communist state. Policy makers are now recalibrating the country’s economy to push for higher value industries, modernized manufacturing and wider use of science, technology and digital tools.

Vietnam’s leadership faces challenges as the country’s export-driven economy grapples with uncertainty from rising trade tensions, including tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump.

Voter turnout in Vietnam’s elections is often high, often over 90%, with polling stations set up in cities, rural communities and remote areas to encourage participation.

“As a voter in this election, I believe I will be able to elect candidates who have the morals, dedication and ability to serve the country, to bring development and prosperity to our country and our people,” said Don Thi Bich, a retired officer.

The incoming National Assembly is expected to convene its first meeting in April to formally approve key government appointments and implement the policy roadmap formulated at the party congress.