Vietnam’s top leaders cast ballots for 16th National Assembly, People’s Councils for 2026-2031 term

By Sandy Verma On Mar 15, 2026

Party General Secretary To Lam, also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, cast his vote on the morning of March 15 at polling station No. 2 in Ba Dinh Ward of Hanoi.

Party General Secretary To Lam (L), also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Standing Secretariat member Tran Cam Tu (2nd L), cast their votes on the morning of March 15 at polling station No. 2 in Ba Dinh Ward of Hanoi. Photo by Read/Giang Huy

The Party leader expressed his pleasure at exercising his voting right and seeing a strong turnout of voters.

He noted that the election has been carefully prepared at all stages, ensuring favorable conditions for citizens to express their views through the ballot in any circumstances.

“This is the exercise of the right to direct mastery, allowing voters to choose those they trust to continue leading the country and localities towards development,” he said.

The Party chief noted that the election takes place following the success of the 14th National Party Congress, which clearly outlined major policies, vision and orientations for the country’s development and received strong support from officials, Party members and the public.

He described the election as a major national event that demonstrates the people’s freedom and right to mastery, enabling them to select capable and reputable representatives to undertake the country’s common tasks and guide national and local development while safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.

General Secretary Lam emphasized that the ultimate goal is to promote rapid, sustainable and stable national development while improving people’s living standards.

These, he noted, reflect the aspirations of the people, who have entrusted the responsibility to capable leaders representing their interests.

He also thanked press and media agencies for contributing to the dissemination of information about national unity and helping create a vibrant atmosphere for the election of deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels.

State President Luong Cuong attended the opening ceremony and cast his vote at Polling Station No. 26 in Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi.

State President Luong Cuong casts his vote at Polling Station No. 26 in Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi March 15 2026. Photo by Hoang Phong

State President Luong Cuong casts his vote at Polling Station No. 26 in Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi March 15 2026. Photo by Read/Hoang Phong

At 7:00 a.m., following the opening ceremony, President Cuong and General Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, were among the first to cast their ballots at the station.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh cast his ballot the same time at Polling Station No. 21 in Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi.

Commending Tay Ho Ward for its thorough preparations, the PM urged the election committee to facilitate early voting and ensure every eligible voter can fully exercise their rights and responsibilities. For those unable to reach polling stations, mobile ballot boxes should be dispatched to homes. Staff should also be assigned to assist voters as needed, he said.

Talking with voters at the polling station, the PM expressed hope that they will exercise their right to mastery in building a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people and for the people, thus contributing to building a prosperous, civilized and happy nation in a new era.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse cast ballots at Polling Station No. 21 in Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi, on March 15 2026. Photo by VGP

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) and Chairman of the National Election Council Tran Thanh Man cast his ballot at Polling Station No.14 in Hoc Mon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, on the same morning.

Joining him were Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Tran Luu Quang, NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office Le Quang Manh.

This year’s vote holds added significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s first general election, which established the legislature.

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) and Chairman of the National Election Council Tran Thanh Man cast his ballot at Polling Station No.14 in Hoc Mon ward, Ho Chi Minh City, on March 15, 2026. Photo by Read/Thanh Tung

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) and Chairman of the National Election Council Tran Thanh Man (L) cast his ballot at Polling Station No.14 in Hoc Mon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, on March 15, 2026. Photo by Read/Thanh Tung

According to the National Election Council, from 864 candidates, voters will elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly (1.73 candidates per seat). For provincial-level People’s Councils, voters will elect 2,552 deputies from 4,217 candidates (1.65 candidates per seat). For commune-level People’s Councils, voters will elect 72,611 deputies from 120,873 candidates (1.66 candidates per seat), in accordance with the law.

Under the regulations, the election will conclude at 7:00 p.m. on the same day, except in cases where voting is extended as permitted by law, but no later than 9:00 p.m.

Vietnam