EDITOR'S NOTE

The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and members of People's Councils at all levels for the 2026–31 tenure was a landmark political event in Việt Nam, attracting considerable international attention. Yet for many overseas readers, the country's political system, electoral process and the ways in which citizens exercise their democratic rights remain only partially understood, and are at times viewed through incomplete or misleading perspectives.

Against the backdrop, a team of journalists from Việt Nam News, the national English-language external affairs daily published by the Vietnam News Agency, produced a nine-part series to offer international audiences a comprehensive, balanced and accessible insight into Việt Nam's 2026 National Assembly election. The series was published throughout March 2026 in Việt Nam News.

Rather than simply explaining electoral procedures or reporting on campaign developments, the series adopts a people-centred approach, telling the story of democracy in Việt Nam through the experiences of ordinary citizens, diverse voices and the expanding opportunities for people from all walks of life to participate in the country's political life.

The opening articles provide readers with a clear overview of the electoral system, the consultation process for nominating candidates, eligibility requirements and the role of the National Assembly and People’s Council at all levels within Việt Nam's political framework. Building on the foundation, the subsequent stories highlight compelling human-interest narratives, including the first National Assembly candidate from the Ơ Đu ethnic group, one of the country's smallest ethnic communities; a young ethnic candidate determined to represent the aspirations of her community; people with disabilities seeking not merely to benefit from public policies but to help shape them directly; and the growing proportion of female candidates, alongside the United Nations' positive assessment of Việt Nam's efforts to advance gender equality in political participation.

Beyond stories of voters within the country, the reporting team also met overseas Vietnamese invited home to cast their ballots. Among the most moving accounts was that of a Vietnamese citizen voting for the first time after two decades of living and working in Japan. Holding the ballot paper in his hands, he spoke not only of the pride and honour of exercising his civic rights, but also of a renewed sense of connection to, and responsibility for, the homeland where he was born.

The series goes beyond reporting individual stories and election events by incorporating the perspectives of leading Vietnamese and international scholars and experts to examine the significance of the election as Việt Nam enters a new phase of national development. Professor Edmund Malesky of Duke University, for example, described the 16th National Assembly as potentially one of the most consequential in the country's history, with a pivotal role in translating the nation's development agenda into legislation, driving institutional reform, accelerating digital transformation, promoting green growth and deepening international integration as Việt Nam works towards becoming a high-income developed country by 2045.

A defining strength of the series lies in its integration of factual reporting, policy analysis, human stories and international perspectives, creating a balanced, credible and engaging narrative for global audiences. By featuring women, young people, ethnic communities and people with disabilities, the series not only reflects the diversity of Vietnamese society but also demonstrates the country's continuing efforts to broaden public participation in policymaking and national governance.

Through authentic, real-life stories, the series portrays a Việt Nam that is stable, forward-looking and committed to ensuring citizens' participation in public affairs while promoting equality, inclusion and sustainable development.

More than simply showcasing the country and its people, the series seeks to deepen international understanding of the fundamental values underpinning Việt Nam's socialist democracy and rule-of-law State, while highlighting the nation's ongoing renewal and development in a new era.

In doing so, it fulfils the central mission of external information work - providing accurate, objective and persuasive reporting that strengthens international confidence in Việt Nam and enhances the country's standing, reputation and image on the global stage.

Việt Nam News and Law – Vietnam News Agency