Referendums promote democracy, people's right to mastery

The draft law on referendums is being discussed at the 10th session of the 13th National Assembly. The law specifies the 2013 Constitution, comprehends Vietnam’s legal system, and promotes democracy and the people’s right to mastery.  

Referendums are a democratic way for people to express their will, aspiration, and power on key national issues in each period.

The National Assembly deputies have discussed issues relating to referendums, the scale of a referendum, and agencies in charge of organizing and resolving petitions relating to referendum results.

Promoting democracy

The bill on referendums promotes democracy and the people’s right to mastery and expands direct democracy for all citizens. It attaches special importance to the people’s power, national unity, and social consensus.

Phung Khac Dang, a deputy for Son La province, said, “The law on referendums ensures people’s right to democracy. It stipulates the people’s rights on national issues.”

The motto “people know, people discuss, people do, and people monitor” has been widely implemented in society. The law on referendums reflects this principle of considering people the root of the country.  

Holding national referendums

The National Assembly deputies agreed that national referendums will be held on important issues and issues related to the Constitution. The 2013 Constitution and the Law on the National Assembly’s Organization specify that the National Assembly has the right to call a referendum.

Ya Duck, a deputy representing Lam Dong province, noted, “A referendum is a public vote to decide a key national issue. The National Assembly decides which issues are put to national referendums. Issues that only have regional or local impact will not be put to referendums but public opinions can be collected under existing law.”

The National Assembly must provide the public with sufficient information on referendum issues. The people must understand the issues and their rights and responsibilities for making decisions affecting the nation.

Institutionalizing the 2013 Constitution

The law on referendums actuates the 2013 Constitution’s stipulation that Vietnam is a state of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Ho Thi Cam Dao, a deputy for Soc Trang province, shared, “The law on referendums specifies the 2013 Constitution and completes the legal system. It provides people with opportunities to decide national issues, contributing to building a socialist state governed by law, of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

(Source: VOV)