Responsibility and trust

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed that the election held on March 15 was a resounding success, describing it as a major national festival conducted in a democratic, equal, lawful, safe, economical and substantive manner. He noted that this was one of the largest and most demanding elections to date, both in terms of scale and workload, particularly as it took place amid new challenges and complexities compared to previous terms.

On media and social networks, it is not difficult to find touching images of supplementary ballot boxes being brought to the homes of elderly and vulnerable voters, the warm and thoughtful reception of election officials towards voters coming to cast their ballots, and so on.

The election event was recognised by many international news agencies and newspapers as an important political activity, demonstrating the stability of Viet Nam's political system. Many articles praised the meticulously prepared election organisation, from consultation and candidate introduction to ensuring security and order at polling stations.

The Nikkei website (Japan) expressed its admiration for the systematic propaganda work in Viet Nam, which helped voters understand their rights and obligations, acknowledging the role of elections in promoting people's participation in political life.

However, despite this reality, some extremist individuals and organisations still deliberately spread distorted and false information about the election day, claiming that the government "forced" people to vote or that voters were monitored and had no right to choose. They even accused the election of “lacking transparency” and demanded “international supervision.” These arguments are deliberate distortions aimed at undermining this important political event, thereby undermining our Party and state.

First, the claim that people were “forced” to vote is a blatant distortion. Vietnamese law stipulates that voting is both a right and a duty of citizens. This reflects a common belief in many democracies around the world that participation in elections is not only a personal right but also a responsibility to the community and the nation. Therefore, promoting, campaigning, and encouraging people to participate in elections is completely normal.

In Viet Nam, the government at all levels always strives to create the most favourable conditions so that all voters can exercise their right. In areas with specific characteristics, early elections are held to ensure the rights of voters.

The use of supplementary ballot boxes to serve elderly, disabled, or inability-to-reach voters demonstrates an effort to maximise the participation of all citizens in making decisions on important national issues.

Another frequently repeated argument is that voters are “monitored,” acting as “roll-checking robots,” lacking freedom of choice. The reality is quite the opposite. Polling stations are organised in accordance with the law, ensuring the principle of secret ballot.

Security forces are tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the election process is safe and smooth. This is a common practice in all countries, as an election can only be conducted seriously and transparently when security and order are guaranteed. In the polling area, voters are given ballots and choose their candidates before casting their votes; no individual nor organisation has the right to interfere with the voters' decisions. However, those opposing the government are deliberately conflating security guarantees with "selection oversight" to sow doubt in public opinion.

More seriously, they are accusing the election of yielding “inaccurate” results and requiring “international oversight.” This is a baseless argument aimed at denying the principle of national sovereignty. Elections are an internal affair of each sovereign nation, organised and managed according to its own legal system.

In Viet Nam, the election process is clearly defined in the Law on Election of National Assembly Deputies and People’s Council Deputies. Vote counting is conducted in a serious manner according to procedure, with the presence of election committee members and voter representatives. The law also clearly stipulates that candidates and representatives of agencies, organisations, and units nominating candidates, or other authorised representatives, have the right to witness vote counting and file complaints regarding the vote count.

Journalists witnessed the vote counting. The results were then compiled and reported to the National Election Council. This multi-tiered process ensures the accuracy and transparency of the election results. In fact, over many terms, elections in Viet Nam have always been orderly, safe, compliant with regulations, and have received public recognition and support.

On social media, some extremist individuals have used sarcastic language to smear the nature of the election, claiming it is “one-sided democracy,” undermining the credibility of candidates, and demanding that Viet Nam emulate the election campaigning models of some Western countries. It is important to recognise that democracy is not a single model applicable to all countries. Each nation has the right to choose its own path of development, suited to its historical, cultural, and developmental conditions.

In Viet Nam, socialist democracy is built on the principle that state power belongs to the people, exercised through the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels. Representatives are selected through consultation, nomination, and election processes, ensuring representation of all strata of society and social groups. This model has operated for decades, making a significant contribution to maintaining political stability — a key factor in Viet Nam’s economic growth — while improving people's lives and enhancing its national standing internationally.

It is not difficult to see that the distorted narratives before, during, and after the election were calculated, even organised into deliberate media campaigns aimed at attacking the Party, the state, and the socialist regime in Viet Nam. The goal of these campaigns was to create confusion in society, erode public trust, and divide national unity. However, in the context of the information explosion, people have many sources to verify and evaluate the truth. More importantly, direct experience in the political and social life of the country helps them recognise what is true and what is false.

The success of the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term has significance beyond the scope of a regular political event. This is an opportunity for the people of the whole country to exercise their right to self-governance and entrust their faith in the representatives chosen for a new stage of national development.

Link to the original article