The National Festival and the Responsibility Before the People

On March 15, 2026, 76 million voters across Vietnam took part in the election of representatives to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. This was an important momentous policitcal event as well as a great festival for Vietnam, after the successful 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This election held special historical significance, continuing the 80-year tradition of building a rule-of-law state in Vietnam since the first general election in 1946. Each voter cast not only demonstrated the people's right to self-governance but also conveyed their faith and expectations for a bright future for the country, while affirming the nature of our State - "a State of the People, by the People, and for the People."

Throughout the country, the election atmosphere was vibrant and enthusiastic, like a festival. From early morning, voters in various localities went to polling stations, choosing those "with sufficient virtue and talent" to entrust their hopes and aspirations for a better future for their homeland. Many elderly voters, despite having experienced many elections before, could not hide their emotion and pride as they held their ballots. The election atmosphere was solemn and full of confidence: voters nationwide joyfully expressed their will and aspirations through their ballots, trusting in choosing outstanding and worthy representatives to represent them.

The spirit of "national celebration" spread from the plains to the mountains, from cities to border regions and islands. In the northern mountainous provinces, despite difficult travel conditions, voters enthusiastically went to the polls very early and completed their early voting with an almost absolute turnout. Many remote areas proactively brought mobile ballot boxes to the homes of the elderly, the infirm, and hospital patients, ensuring that all citizens could exercise their right to vote. Soldiers and police officers assisted polling stations in remote islands and for fishermen working long hours at sea. In large cities, despite the large number of voters and the vast area, the election organizing units made great efforts to achieve a nationwide voter turnout rate of 99.68%. Nowhere was voting merely a formality – truly, throughout the country, election day became a national celebration, a celebration of the spirit of national unity in building their own government.

The election on March 15, 2026, is even more significant as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the first General Election (January 6, 1946). At that time, amidst the immense difficulties of the early days of independence, the Vietnamese people held a General Election to elect the first National Assembly. President Ho Chi Minh called it "a joyful day for our compatriots," because for the first time in history, the Vietnamese people began to enjoy their democratic rights. The victory of the 1946 General Election firmly affirmed the people's right to self-determination – "rising from a state of slavery to gain independence and organize their own State," building the first people's democratic state in Southeast Asia.

Over the past 80 years, through 15 terms of the National Assembly, our nation has always been proud of its patriotic tradition and the people's sense of self-determination. Whether during the arduous resistance war or the peacetime period of national reconstruction, the Vietnamese people have always trusted the Party and actively participated in elections to build their state apparatus. From the first to the fifteenth National Assembly, the Vietnamese National Assembly has always been the embodiment of national unity, bringing together outstanding representatives from all walks of life, ethnicities, and religions, without distinction of social class. It is this democratic tradition that has fostered the spirit of today's election – each ballot a vivid testament to the people's right to self-determination and to the continuous continuation of our State, "of which the people are masters, all state power belongs to the people." Looking back over these 80 years, we deeply appreciate the sacrifices of our forefathers in securing free votes for the people. Continuing that glorious tradition, the March 15, 2026 election once again affirms the will, determination, and democratic aspirations of the Vietnamese people on their path of development.

In this "General Election," the nearly 100% voter turnout carries profound significance. It demonstrates the political awareness and civic responsibility, patriotism, and trust of the people in the Party's leadership. Each ballot represents a vote of faith – the people entrust their expectations to the selection of worthy representatives, thereby affirming their strong support and consensus for the socialist democratic regime and the country's development path. The almost absolute turnout also shows that the electoral system effectively campaigned and publicized the process, creating favorable conditions for all voters to exercise their rights and fulfill their duties.

Furthermore, the election results also demonstrate the increasing awareness of the people in building the State. People not only voted in large numbers but also showed interest in learning about the biographies and action programs of the candidates to choose the most outstanding representatives. The election was truly democratic, equal, lawful, safe, and economical – reflecting the character and intellectual level of a nation that has practiced democracy for nearly a century. Public opinion both domestically and internationally highly praised Vietnam's professional and transparent organization of this election.

The successful election also provides a solid foundation for our state apparatus to enter a new phase. The election results of March 15, 2026, are a victory for the people, but they also place great responsibilities on the shoulders of the newly elected representatives. The representatives of the 16th National Assembly and the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term are those entrusted with power by the people. They will represent the will and aspirations of the people in their constituencies and of the entire nation for the next five years. The role and position of representatives are very noble: each representative is a bridge between the people and the power organs, participating in deciding important issues of the country and localities. Therefore, the Party, the State, and voters nationwide demand that each representative be deeply aware of their honor and responsibility, and constantly strive to improve themselves to be worthy of the people's trust.

The new term, 2026-2031, opens against the backdrop of the country entering a crucial stage of development, with intertwined opportunities and challenges. The 14th National Congress of the Party has set strategic goals for the country, including the determination to make Vietnam a high-income developed country by 2045. To realize this aspiration, the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels in the new term must strive for strong innovation and creativity in all activities. Delegates need to closely follow the dynamic realities of the reform process, actively contribute their intellect to perfecting the legal system, strengthening the effectiveness of supreme oversight, and making sound decisions on important issues concerning socio-economics, budget, national defense, foreign affairs, etc., in response to new demands.

Alongside efforts in the parliamentary arena, each delegate needs to maintain close contact with voters and always listen to the voice of the people. This is both a legal obligation and a moral requirement for a representative of the people. Voters expect the new delegates to be closer to the people, more deeply involved with the grassroots, and to promptly bring pressing issues of life to the parliamentary arena for discussion and resolution. At the same time, each delegate must uphold the spirit of exemplary conduct and integrity, "always remembering and practicing the saying: For the benefit of the country, forget personal gain; for the common good, forget private gain" as instructed by President Ho Chi Minh[1]. This is a requirement of morality and character: delegates entrusted with power by the people must wholeheartedly and diligently serve the Fatherland and the people, resolutely fight against individualism, and stay away from all temptations of power and group interests. Only by truly "placing the interests of the Fatherland and the People above all else" can representatives fulfill the glorious responsibility entrusted to them by the people.

On the other hand, the structure of this term's National Assembly and People's Councils has a large proportion of first-time participants (over 70% of National Assembly candidates are first-time candidates). This is a breath of fresh air, promising to bring creative energy and innovative thinking to elected bodies, but it also demands that young representatives quickly grasp the skills and knowledge to perform their roles well. Each representative must proactively learn from the experience of previous generations, while also developing their strengths and expertise in parliamentary activities. Discipline and unity within the National Assembly are also extremely important: representatives need to cooperate closely, adhere to regulations, and boldly contribute their opinions in a constructive spirit. Only then will the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels truly become intelligent, united, and action-oriented leadership collectives working for the benefit of the people.

The success of the election opens the groundwork and provides new impetus for the entire Party, people, and army to confidently move into a new stage of development. In the immediate future, we need to quickly stabilize the organization of the National Assembly and the government at all levels after the election, and promptly implement the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party. The upcoming First Session of the 16th National Assembly will consolidate key leadership positions in the State, and approve the National Assembly's action program for the entire term, requiring the concerted efforts and high responsibility of each delegate. The elected delegates need to uphold the spirit of serving the Fatherland, immediately begin their work with renewed energy and determination, and live up to the expectations of the voters.

The next five years are of paramount importance for Vietnam to make breakthroughs and move towards the goal of becoming a developed country by 2045. Opportunities and challenges are intertwined; new opportunities demand that the entire nation unite and work together more than ever before. I earnestly hope that all compatriots, soldiers throughout the country, and overseas Vietnamese will continue to uphold the tradition of patriotism and revolutionary spirit, support and monitor the activities of the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels, actively participate in patriotic emulation movements, and contribute to the successful achievement of socio-economic development goals for the 2026-2031 period.

Filled with joy and excitement at the victory of the National Day, we remember the words of our beloved President Ho Chi Minh: "Unity, unity, great unity – Success, success, great success." The spirit of national unity has helped us achieve glorious victories in the past, and today it is the key to conquering new heights of development. With profound faith in the wisdom and strength of the nation, under the wise leadership of the Party, we are determined to build a strong and prosperous Vietnam, aiming for "a wealthy people, a strong nation, democracy, fairness, and civilization." The success of this election is a solid foundation for the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels to operate effectively, maximizing the strength of the entire nation on the path of reform and integration. A bright future lies ahead. The whole nation joins forces and works together, transforming the joy of election day into practical action, building a more prosperous and happy Vietnam, to realize the aspiration of a peaceful, independent, democratic, strong, prosperous, civilized, and happy Vietnam, steadily advancing towards socialism.