(VOVworld)- The Election for the 14th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2016-2021 term take place all over Vietnam. More than 69 million Vietnamese voters are present at more than 91,000 polling stations to choose their competent representatives.
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| Ethnic people in Binh Dinh province cast their ballots |
Despite the scattered rainfall in North-western region, local ethnic people in their colourful costumes were present at the polling stations early morning. In Lai Chau province, nearly 250,000 voters cast their ballots. Ma Cang Dinh, Chairman of Nung Nang commune, Tam Duong district, told VOV: “Polling stations are open from 6.30am as required by the people because it’s now harvest time. Until midday, the voting has been complete with voter turnout reaching more than 97%. Polling stations are still open”.
In Co To island district, Quang Ninh province, nearly 5,000 voters with one third being fishermen are casting their ballots in 20 polling stations all over the island. Hoang Ba Nam, Secretary of the district’s Party Committee, said:
“Security at all polling stations is ensured. The district has created the best conditions for voters and visitors to cast their ballots. Until 9am, the most distant island completed the votes”,
Voters in central coastal areas are mostly fishermen, who are returning home from offshore fishing to exercise their right and duty. Voter Tran Van Loc of Phan Thiet city said: “We know that May 22 is Election Day. So today, all boats are anchored and we together go voting. We will continue to go fishing tomorrow”.
Voter Yrut in Kon Tum Knam village in Kon Tum city has just voted in the traditional Rong house: “Election Day is joyful and we are happy. We want to choose the competent and ethical deputies, who care for the ethnic people and deserve our trust”.
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Voters check lists of candidates
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Election Day’s exciting atmosphere is prevailing in the hamlets of the Central Highlands region.
Religious followers enthusiastically exercise their voting right. Superior Buddhist monk Thich Khe Chon in Thua Thien Hue province said: “All Vietnamese monks and nuns, including those in Thua Thien Hue are excited and available to vote to choose competent representatives to the central and local agencies to contribute to national construction and development”.
On Sunday, more than 5.2 million voters in Ho Chi Minh city cast their votes in more than 3,200 polling stations. Archbishop Paul Bui Van Doc of Ho Chi Minh city archdiocese said he and other religious followers are citizens who are obliged to choose talented and ethical candidates to build Vietnam into a country of peace and development.
Secretary General of the National Assembly Nguyen Hanh Phuc gives initial summery of the election: “The voters’ turnout was approximately 70% by 9.30 am. In some areas in Hanoi and other provinces, the rate was already 100%. There has been no report on law violation. Everything is going smoothly. This demonstrates that communication work is done very well, helping the people to be aware of their right and duty”.
According to Law on Election, polling stations are open until 7pm on Sunday before the ballot boxes are sealed for vote counting.