Vietnam votes in general election with 93% of candidates from ruling Communist Party
Mar 15th 2026
On March 15, 2026, Vietnam’s five-yearly election opened as voters choose 500 National Assembly members from a candidate list overwhelmingly made up of Communist Party members, with top leadership largely decided by the party.
- About 93% of the 864 candidates are Communist Party members and 7.5% are independents, down from 8.5% in 2021.
- More than 73 million eligible voters are choosing 500 National Assembly members and local council representatives.
- The Communist Party already holds roughly 97% of parliamentary seats and major policies are set by party leaders.
- Election results are expected on March 23 and the National Assembly will meet in early April to approve top state leaders nominated by the party.
- To Lam was confirmed as general secretary in January and the party selected its 19-member Politburo at the same congress.