Yesterday, nearly 70 million voters across the country eagerly and voluntarily participated in the elections for the 14^th National Assembly (NA) and all-level People's Councils (PCls) of the 2016 - 2021 tenure.

In Viet Nam, any Vietnamese citizen aged 18 and over has the right to vote in the elections.  The 5-yearly elections always run without pause between 7.00am and 7.00pm on the voting day.  That schedule may be changed in some cases, but voting is not permitted to begin earlier than 5.00am or end later than 9.00pm.  Each voter has the right to cast a ballot for one NA deputy, and for one People’s Council member at each of the 3 levels: city/province, district and ward/commune.  The results of the PCl member elections will be announced on 1 June, and the NA deputy elections on 11 June.

Secretary Anh (first left) casting his votes

In Da Nang, a total of around 700,000 residents, accounting for 99.81% of the local electorate, went to 538 voting venues in a bustling and joyful atmosphere to select those who are worthy of their votes. 

Many local streets, residential and public areas were decorated with various eye-catching banners, placards and posters advertising the elections.

Local military officers

In total across the city, voters will elect 6 deputies to the 14^th NA from 10 eligible candidates, 50 for the municipal-level PCl from 85 candidates, 251 for district-level from 417 candidates, and 1,561 for ward and commune-level from 2,613 candidates.

At a voting venue in Hai Chau District, municipal Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Xuan Anh was the first person to cast his votes to fulfil his citizen rights.  He said he hoped that local voters will select deputies who have good moral qualities, talent, and will make great efforts for their hometown and the Fatherland as a whole.

Voters in Hoa Vang District

At another voting venue in Thanh Khe District, municipal People’s Committee Chairman Huynh Duc Tho remarked, “The city’s preparations for the elections have been made effectively in accordance with the laws, ensuring democratic principles and creating a high consensus amongst local residents”.

The Director of the Department of Police, Colonel Le Van Tam, said that security and safety at the local voting venues on Sunday were ensured.  He added that 100% of his unit’s officers and men were on duty around the clock focusing on night patrols and protecting the local venues before and during the elections.

The count begins after the elections close

In addition to the local police, the local military forces, security guards and other relevant groups became actively involved in ensuring security and safety for the elections.