69 mln Vietnamese vote for NA seats amid pandemic

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...."

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 11^th 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.

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

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

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 10^th 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."

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 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.

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 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 District's Phuc Xa Ward.