On 22nd May 2016, voters throughout the country participated in the Election of deputies for the General Assembly XIV tenure and People’s Councils for 2016 – 2021 term with joy and excitement. The election, being carried out successfully, on one hand, marked a significant progress in upholding mastership of people in the process of renewing, building and perfecting the law-governed socialist state and the organization of state governance at all levels in accordance with the 2013 Constitution. On the other hand, it served as a persuasive evidence, refuting all wrongful and hostile arguments against it before.
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Ethnic minorities in the Central Highland join the election (Photo: nhandan.com.vn) |
The election has attracted a positive and responsible participation of voters all over the country. It also concentrated, upheld the will and aspiration of people in order to further promote the renewal cause towards the goals of wealthy people, powerful country, democracy, equality, civilization. The success is of more importance amid distortion and sabotage appearing on some western media and social networks of hostile forces who hold prejudice against the Party and State of Vietnam.
In the recent election, sabotage escalated to a higher level and frequency with all forms and means. Democracy and western – style election were promoted vigorously by the so-called “real patriots” or “democrats” who were echoed by foreign radios with discussion about elections and democracy in Vietnam. Those programs reflected subjective and personal deductions aiming at distorting and denying the role of the National Assembly, the importance of the election and the democracy in Vietnam.
Our Party’s aware that a truly democratic election is the key to building a national congress which is truly representative for the people. Accordingly, the Election was prepared and carried out seriously, ensuring democracy, equality, lawfulness and in accordance with the Directive 51-CT/TW of the Politburo (XI Tenure). Democracy is strictly adhered to during all stages and procedures of the election. In the First Consultation Round, issues relating to democracy in the election were considered and settled openly. Regarding the opinion telling that the number of candidates being party member is too high, discussion pointed out that the majority of them are high ranking officials in state sector and are highly creditable in moral, capability and therefore it is reasonable for them to be introduced to the nomination list. Of course the introduction must stick to steps of consultation with feedback of voters in residential area and be publicized in accordance with Election Law. Regarding the opinion holding that there is no other country in the world where candidates must be introduced by the Fatherland Front, electoral agencies explained that Vietnam Fatherland Front has been prescribed in the Article 9 of the 2013 Constitution as a political basis for people’s governance. Besides, this is also a matter of history and tradition so the Front’s participation in the election is necessary and legal. Regarding the issue that there are a high number of self-nominees but only a few of them are shortlisted for the election, Mr. Nguyen Hanh Phuc, General Secretary of the National Assembly said the high number of self-nominees shows that there are many people wishing to make their contribution to the country. However, they must meet the set out criteria, and pass three consultation rounds to be shortlisted for the election as ruled by the election law.
According to Mr. Nguyen Thien Nhan, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Central Committee: “There is no discrimination among nominees and self-nominees both when they are introduced in mass media and when they contact directly with voters”. So all questions relating to democracy in the election were explained. There is no sign of “Party choose, People elect” as criticized by hostile forces.
The structure of candidates was made public and transparent in accordance with the law and Resolution of the Permanent Office of the National Assembly. On 26th April 2016, the National Election Council has declared 870 candidates of the election, including 11 self nominees. Of the 870 candidates, 197 of them are introduced by the Party Central Committee, 673 of them are introduced by localities; there are 339 woman candidates accounting for 38,9%; 204 ethnic candidates accounting for 23,45%; 97 candidates are non-Party members accounting for 11,15%.
On 22 May 2016, voters all across the country participated the Election with joy and strong belief in the Party and democracy in Vietnam. It was really a festive day of the nation and our people in the renewal cause under the leadership of the Party. The election was carried out successfully, lawfully, ensuring democracy, equality, safety and order all over the country. Success of the election on one hand affirm our democratic and progress standard; on the other hand, it is an eloquent evidence refuting all sabotage of hostile forces and political opportunists.
Thuong Vu