69 mln Vietnamese vote for NA seats amid pandemic

By Staff reporters   May 22, 2021 | 04:46 pm PT
More than 69 million voters across Vietnam are set to cast their votes Sunday to choose new National Assembly and People's Council members for the 2021-2026 term.

Nghe An

89-year-old war veteran Hoang Nguyen rides a scooter to a polling station in Nam Dan Districts Kim Lien Commune. He said has also voted roughly 10 times. Ive voted nearly 10 times for National Assembly members, but for every new era, the country would go through a new path of development, which requires new things. As such, chosen candidates should feel honored, yet they have big shoes to fill.

89-year-old disabled war veteran Hoang Nguyen rides a three-wheel scooter to a polling station in Nghe An Province’s Nam Dan District. "I've voted nearly 10 times for National Assembly members. For every new era, the country goes through a new path of development, which requires new things. As such, the chosen candidates should feel honored...."

Quang Nam

People read off the list of candidates prior to voting in Quang Nam. Huynh Thi Tuyet, 75, said its already the 11th time shes voted, adding that she chooses young candidates with capabilities.  Quang Nam has over 1.1 million voters with over 1,500 polling stations.

Voters peruse the list of candidates as they wait to cast their ballots in Quang Nam. Huynh Thi Tuyet, 75, said she was voting for the 11th time. She said she was choosing "young candidates with capabilities." The central province of Quang Nam has over 1.1 million voters voting at over 1,500 polling stations.

Hai Phong City

National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue casts his votes into a ballot box at a polling station in Hai Phong.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue casts his votes at a polling station in Hai Phong.

Can Tho City

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh casts his votes into a ballot box at a polling station in Ninh Kieu District, Cai Khe Ward.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh casts his votes at a polling station in Ninh Kieu District, Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho.

HCMC

A woman reads up on info about candidates at a polling station in Phu Nhuan District.Nguyen Trong Trai, 64, said its already been his 10th time to go voting, but this years different due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. People used to get long lines and theres excitement in the air before. But due to the Covid-19 and the mask wearing and social distancing, its a lot quieter now.Trai said would vote for young candidates who are highly skilled and experienced. Young people have new ways of thinking and doing things to develop the economy and take care of peoples lives.

A voter scans the list of candidates at a polling station in Phu Nhuan District, HCMC. Nguyen Trong Trai, 64, said he was voting for the 10th time, but this year was different due to the Covid-19 pandemic. "People used to wait in long lines and there was excitement in the air before. But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, mask wearing and social distancing, it's a lot quieter." Trai said he would vote for young candidates who are highly skilled and experienced. "Young people have new ways of thinking and doing things to develop the economy and take care of people's lives."

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has his body temperature checked and his hands disinfected prior to the voting process in Cu Chi Town.

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has his body temperature checked and his hands sanitized prior to the voting process in Cu Chi District.

Voters at a polling station in HCMCs Thu Duc City, Thao Dien Ward perform registration procedures to vote. Over 5.4 million voters in HCMC would cast their votes to choose 30 National Assembly members and 95 Peoples Council members of all levels for the 2021-2026 period.

Voters at a polling station in HCMC's Thu Duc City, Thao Dien Ward go through registration procedures. Over 5.4 million voters in HCMC are set to choose 30 National Assembly members and 95 People's Council members at all levels for the 2021-2026 term.

Hanoi

Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong casts his votes into a ballot box at a polling station in Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District. Over 5.4 million voters in the capital would cast their votes in over 4,800 polling stations in 30 districts and communes.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong casts his votes at a polling station in Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District. Over 5.4 million voters in the capital city are cast their votes at over 4,800 polling stations in 30 districts and communes.

Detainees line up to cast their votes at the Hanoi police department. Also Sunday, around 2,190 detainees in Hanoi were also allowed to cast their votes. In accordance with Vietnamese law, detainees and those undergoing drug rehab are allowed to vote for National Assembly and Peoples Council members.

Detainees line up at the premises of the Hanoi police department. Around 2,190 detainees in Hanoi cast their votes Sunday. Under Vietnamese law, detainees and those undergoing drug rehabilitation are allowed to vote for National Assembly and People's Council members.

Tran Thi Tham, 100, is the first voter to cast her vote at a polling station in Ba Dinh Districts Phuc Xa Ward.

Tran Thi Tham, 100, is the first voter to cast her vote at a polling station in Ba Dinh District's Phuc Xa Ward.

Voting began nationwide at 7 a.m., and will continue until 7 p.m. But localities are allowed to decide their voting schedules, as long as it doesn't begin before 5 a.m. and end after 9 p.m.

A total of 866 candidates are vying for National Assembly seats and People's Councils at all levels. Over 45 percent of these are women, and over 21 percent are members of ethnic minority communities. Over 25 percent of the candidates are young (aged 40 or less). Sixteen cities and provinces including Ca Mau, Can Tho, Hai Phong, Nghe An, Quang Nam and Bac Ninh commenced the election day early in certain locations.

 
 
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