Vietnam Finalises Preliminary List of 1,041 Candidates for 16th National Assembly Elections

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The second consultative conference for elections to the 16th National Assembly has finalised a preliminary nationwide list of 1,041 candidates, marking a significant milestone in preparations for the 2026–2031 term.

According to a report by the Standing Board of the Việtnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, the consultative process was conducted in a democratic manner, in strict accordance with the Election Law and within the prescribed timeframe.

The list includes 217 candidates nominated by central agencies and 824 introduced by localities, representing an average of 2.08 candidates per seat to be filled, thereby ensuring the legally required surplus of nominees.

At the central level, all 71 delegates attending the conference unanimously approved the preliminary list of 217 nominees. Of these, 145 are full-time deputies serving in National Assembly bodies, accounting for nearly 67 per cent. The remaining candidates were nominated by Party agencies, the Government, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, the Việt Nam Fatherland Front, and other central institutions.

Women comprise 23.5 per cent of centrally nominated candidates, while nearly 10 per cent belong to ethnic minority groups. Five nominees are non-Party members, and 138 are incumbent deputies seeking re-election.

At the local level, women account for just over half of the 824 nominees. More than one quarter are under the age of 40, and one in four candidates is from an ethnic minority group. Non-Party members represent nearly 11 per cent of locally nominated candidates.

Nationwide, women make up 45.24 per cent of all nominees, while candidates under 40 account for 21.90 per cent. Ethnic communities represent 21.99 per cent of the total list, and non-Party members comprise 9.12 per cent. A total of 145 deputies from the 15th National Assembly are standing for re-election.

The second consultative round was also conducted for People’s Councils at provincial and commune levels, with nomination figures exceeding the number of seats to be filled, in line with legal requirements.

The VFF Standing Committee has urged agencies and local authorities to continue reviewing nominations to ensure appropriate structure and composition, particularly regarding women, ethnic communities, young candidates, and non-Party members, as the electoral process advances to its next stage.