Vietnam Records 99.64% Voter Turnout in National Assembly and People’s Council Elections

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam recorded an exceptionally high voter turnout in the elections for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and people’s councils for the 2026–2031 term, with nationwide participation reaching 99.64 percent by 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, according to Tạ Thị Yên, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Deputy Affairs and Permanent Deputy Chief of the Office of the National Election Council.

Earlier in the evening, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that as of 8:00 p.m., more than 76.04 million voters had cast their ballots across the country, representing 99.38 percent of the total electorate, based on updated data from the National Election Council’s Office.

Lào Cai Province was the first locality to complete voting, concluding the process at 5:45 p.m. The province, along with Huế, was among the country’s 34 provinces and centrally governed cities that recorded 100 percent voter turnout.

Lào Cai also reported a notable number of elderly voters, including 173 voters aged 100 years or older, comprising 31 men and 142 women. The oldest voter recorded was Giàng Nủ Súa, aged 114.

Most provinces and cities across Vietnam reported voter turnout rates exceeding 99 percent. Among them were Hà Tĩnh (99.99 percent), Lai Châu (99.97 percent), Tuyên Quang (99.96 percent), Huế (99.92 percent), Điện Biên (99.91 percent), Lạng Sơn (99.82 percent), Thái Nguyên (99.82 percent), Cà Mau (99.81 percent), Vĩnh Long (99.67 percent), Cần Thơ (99.35 percent), Nghệ An (99.34 percent), Đà Nẵng (99.92 percent), Tây Ninh (99.04 percent), Gia Lai (99.02 percent), and Quảng Ngãi (99.01 percent).

Across the country, no electoral unit recorded voter participation below 50 percent.

Preliminary assessments indicated that many provinces in Vietnam’s northern mountainous region completed voting early with exceptionally high turnout. These included Lào Cai, Lai Châu, Tuyên Quang, Điện Biên, Lạng Sơn, and Thái Nguyên. Although these provinces collectively have a relatively small electorate of around one million voters, they are located in areas with challenging terrain.

Meanwhile, several provinces and major cities with large electorates exceeding three million voters also achieved turnout levels above 99 percent, demonstrating significant efforts by local election authorities to encourage participation.

By the close of voting, polling stations nationwide maintained orderly, disciplined, and stable conditions, with election procedures carried out strictly in accordance with regulations. Public sentiment generally reflected strong trust, support, and recognition of the importance of the electoral process.

Domestic and international media closely monitored the election, reporting developments from polling stations across provinces and cities. Coverage highlighted the participation of Party and State leaders, members of the armed forces, elderly voters, first-time young voters, ethnic communities, religious figures, and voters in border areas, islands, mountainous regions, and other remote locations.

By 7:00 p.m., Vietnamese media outlets—including newspapers, magazines, and online platforms—had published 6,402 reports and articles covering the election.

Authorities also confirmed that political security and social order remained stable throughout the voting process, with no major incidents or unusual situations reported nationwide.