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Vietnam s elections gets international media attention

"Before queuing, the voters had their temperature taken at a nearby table where free masks and hand sanitizer were offered, with a loudspeaker broadcasting advice to keep a safe distance," Reuters wrote.



Party leader casts ballots in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung district. (Photo: TG&VN)

The elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and all-level People’s Councils for 2021-2026 on May 23 have attracted attention from international media, according to VNA.

Reuters reported that tens of millions of mask-wearing Vietnamese went to the polls, noting the elections are taking place as Vietnam battles a new COVID-19 outbreak that is spreading rapidly.

"In Hanoi's Long Bien district, around 30 voters were seen queuing by a voting booth waiting for their turn, all wearing masks. Before queuing, the voters had their temperature taken at a nearby table where free masks and hand sanitizer were offered, with a loudspeaker broadcasting advice to keep a safe distance," Reuters wrote.

The British news agency cited NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue as saying that organizers have taken measures to ensure the elections would take place safely.

Covering the elections in Vietnam, the Bernama news agency of Malaysia published an article titled “Vietnam’s military force ready to ensure safety for election day”.



President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife joined others voters in Cu Chi town of Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, in casting ballots on May 23 morning. (Photo: TG&VN)

It quoted Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang as ordering military units to increase measures to gain a clear insight into the current situation and conduct regular information exchanges while monitoring the country’s airspace, sea, islands, border and island areas, and cyberspace.

The minister ordered the readiness of personnel and facilities for any situations and the preparation of additional plans to ensure security and safety for the elections. He also requested the units to boost their internal and external cooperation to ensure political security, social order, and absolute safety for the elections, according to Bernama.

Nikkei Asia also ran articles about Vietnam's election. "Vietnam has gone on high alert nationwide to contain COVID-19 outbreaks in the north, even as the country holds a general election Sunday for 69 million voters to select 500 members of parliament," it said. "On Friday, Pham Minh Chinh ordered authorities to ensure a safe election. The epidemic situation is under control for now, and Vietnam will have well-organized elections," the journal quoted Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

In the elections, nearly 69.2 million voters across Vietnam will select 500 deputies to the 15th NA, and nearly 4,000 to provincial-level, almost 23,000 to district-level, and over 240,000 to communal-level People’s Councils.


Valerie Mai

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