Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

By Ngoc Thanh, Gia Chinh   May 22, 2021 | 03:11 am PT
Covid-19 patients, their close contacts and frontline workers in the coronavirus fight in the northern Bac Ninh Province cast their votes for new National Assembly and People's Council members Saturday.
Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Over 3,200 Bac Ninh voters in 10 voting stations cast their ballots a day ahead of other localities.

All voters are socially distanced during the voting process.

Other cities and provinces will cast their votes for the National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2021-2026 term on Sunday, selecting 500 deputies from a list of 866 candidates.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

At 7 a.m., the election committee ensured the ballots are sealed.

A voting station was set up at a quarantine zone in Tu Son University of Physical Education and Sport. A total 147 voters attended the poll, including students and employees at the school, close contacts of Covid-19 cases and other personnel working at the isolation facility.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Voters are separated from each other by screens. Info about candidates are available on-site.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Voters get one vote for National Assembly candidates and three for People's Council candidates on all levels.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Ballot boxes are covered in a plastic bag and disinfected regularly during the transportation process.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Medical workers disinfect the quarantine zone before ballot boxes are delivered.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Ballots are delivered directly to quarantine wards for close contact cases of Covid-19 patients to vote.

Le Thi Thuy Ha, 45, said she felt her civic rights were "respected" as the ballot boxes were delivered right to her location even though she was in quarantine.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Medical workers, police officers, soldiers and other personnel keep guard at voting stations.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

At the Bac Ninh police department, around 900 officers and soldiers also cast their votes early. They had to have their body temperatures checked and had to socially distance themselves.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

People in a room are socially distanced during the opening ceremony for election day.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

After casting their votes, voters disinfect their hands with disinfectant available right at voting booths.

Nguyen Huu Hung, deputy director of the provincial police department, said its forces would promptly ensure security and safety at other voting stations right after their votes had been cast.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

A voter reads the info of candidates at a voting booth.

Bac Ninh holds early parliamentary election amid coronavirus outbreak

Voters cast their votes while socially distancing.

As of Saturday, Bac Ninh has recorded 394 local Covid-19 cases amid Vietnam's latest coronavirus wave that has seen 1,963 cases in 30 cities and provinces since late last month.

 
 
go to top