Independent candidates for seats in NA, People's Councils increase

There are more than 50 independent candidates running in the upcoming election of deputies to the National Assembly (NA) and all-level People’s Councils as of March 5, higher than the previous election.

Voters in Muong Te district, Lai Chau province, cast their ballots in the 2011 election. (Credit: VNA)

Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Van Pha said a majority of the independent candidates run for seats representing Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, HCM City has 13 candidates for the NA deputy positions and 11 for municipal People’s Council seats.

The final numbers will be released after March 13, when nominees have to submit their candidacy applications and dossiers.

The increase in independent candidates is a good signal as it demonstrates people’s belief in institutional reforms, and in the democracy of the law, as well as authorised agencies’ provision of more optimal conditions for independent candidates, he noted.

He added that existing legal regulations do not discriminate between candidates introduced by agencies or organisations and those who run independently. Any organisation or individual that discriminates, or causes trouble for independent candidates, is violating the law.

However, Pha added, during the four previous elections that he made preparations for, there were also independent candidates who failed to meet requirements, or who were not fully aware of their rights and obligations.

Independent candidates must be serious about their responsibilities and show that they are capable of fulfilling their role to win people’s trust in the election, he added.

The election of deputies to the 14th NA and all-level People’s Councils of the 2016-21 tenure will take place on May 22, 2016.

(Source: NDO)