Some 78 million Vietnamese cast their votes on Sunday for parliamentary delegates, setting the stage for the country¡¯s new president and prime minister to be confirmed when the National Assembly meets next month.
Red banners and propaganda campaigns have been on display across the country urging voter turnout in the one-party state as the government seeks to shore up support for its ambitious 10% growth agenda. The balloting for the roughly 500 National Assembly deputies, who will be announced some time before March 25, follows the twice-a-decade Communist Party Congress where the key policies were set.
When the new parliament meets for the first time for its spring session ¡ª likely beginning April 6 ¡ª it will formally appoint officials to the top leadership positions. The session will confirm whether Communist Party chief To Lam has secured the presidency, giving him dual roles and consolidating his grip on power. Deputies will also vote on single candidates for prime minister and parliament chair.
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