As Vietnam enters a new stage of development with increasing demands for institutional and governance reforms, voters are placing high expectations on the 16th National Assembly.

The election of deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026 - 2031 tenure is a major political event, reflecting the people’s right to mastery and contributing to the selection of worthy representatives to decide on critical national issues. In this context, voters are also placing strong expectations on the 16th National Assembly.

In an interview with the Newspaper of Industry and Trade, former member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, Associate Professor, PhD Nguyen The Ky, shared his views on the responsibilities of deputies and expectations for the National Assembly in the coming tenure.

National Assembly to continue strong reforms

In your view, the election of National Assembly deputies is a particularly significant political event, demonstrating the people’s mastery and the functioning of socialist democracy. As the country enters a new development phase, what are voters’ greatest expectations of the 16th National Assembly?

Nguyen The Ky: When referring to the National Assembly, it must first be affirmed that it is the highest state authority of the country. It exercises constitutional and legislative powers; the Constitution and laws adopted by the National Assembly must reflect the will and aspirations of the entire people.

In recent years, the development and improvement of Vietnam’s legal system have achieved positive results. The National Assembly, together with relevant agencies, has actively participated in the process of refining legal regulations, from drafting to implementation.

In addition to its legislative function, the National Assembly has another crucial function: deciding on major national issues. To effectively fulfill this role, each deputy must continuously enhance their qualifications, intellectual capacity, and knowledge.

Facing major issues related to national interests, both domestic and external, deputies need to constantly study and deepen their understanding of the fields in which they deliberate and make decisions. When considering an issue, if it is appropriate, deputies may support it. However, if it is deemed unsatisfactory, they have the right to speak, express their views, and engage in debate at the plenary hall.

This reflects the democratic spirit of the National Assembly’s operations. Deputies may propose that the National Assembly reconsider issues they find unreasonable or difficult to implement in practice. Such frank exchanges and debates help ensure that decisions are more prudent, rigorous, and aligned with reality.

The National Assembly also exercises supreme oversight over all state activities. After resolutions on socio-economic development, national defense, security, and foreign affairs are issued, the key issue is how they are implemented in practice. Through oversight, the National Assembly can assess whether implementation is serious, how effective it is, and what issues arise during the process.

If shortcomings requiring adjustments or policy supplements emerge in practice, relevant agencies must report to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, and such issues may even be brought before National Assembly sessions for consideration and resolution.

At present, voters’ expectations of the National Assembly are increasing. More broadly, the country’s development requirements place greater demands on each deputy. Deputies must possess intellect, qualifications, knowledge, capacity, and, importantly, political steadfastness to fulfill their responsibilities before voters and the nation.

Only when these qualities are fully met can deputies effectively perform their duties, even excel in fulfilling their role as representatives of the people at the National Assembly.

Effective oversight helps prevent corruption and waste

As you mentioned the oversight function of the National Assembly, what mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure oversight is carried through, assigns clear responsibility, and creates tangible improvements in policy implementation?

Nguyen The Ky: Oversight should be conducted from the very beginning of implementing a policy, resolution, program, or project, rather than waiting until violations or serious consequences occur. Early oversight enables close monitoring from the outset, thereby promptly recognizing positive outcomes to encourage and affirm the correctness of adopted policies.

At the same time, if limitations, shortcomings, or issues requiring adjustment arise during implementation, supervisory bodies can promptly report to competent authorities for consideration, handling, and timely adjustment in line with reality.

Such oversight is essential. The more oversight programs and thematic supervision the National Assembly conducts, the more effective national governance will become. For instance, oversight may focus on public investment, banking operations, land discipline, or discipline in the construction sector.

If, within a tenure, the National Assembly carries out numerous thematic oversight activities, this will significantly contribute to stable and sustainable national development. More importantly, timely oversight also helps curb negative practices, corruption, and waste that have occurred in reality. Many cases show that if programs or projects had been closely supervised and adjusted early on, unfortunate consequences could have been avoided.

Public trust in the National Assembly is built on the quality of legislation, oversight, and decision-making on major national issues. In your opinion, what urgent reforms are needed to further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the National Assembly in the new tenure?

Nguyen The Ky: The effectiveness and efficiency of the National Assembly are primarily determined by the quality of its deputies. At the same time, it also depends on the working agenda, as well as the organization and operation of the Standing Committee, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly, and the National Assembly’s bodies and committees.

In recent years, the National Assembly’s activities have seen clear improvements. The quality of deputies has been enhanced, and many statements at the plenary hall demonstrate frankness and responsibility before voters and the people. As a result, its activities have increasingly received attention and positive evaluations from voters.

For the upcoming tenure, expectations remain high. The country is entering a new development phase with major goals identified in Party resolutions. As the highest state authority, the National Assembly must continue to promote its role in institutionalizing and implementing these guidelines, particularly in advancing sustainable socio-economic development.

Alongside economic growth, voters also expect clear improvements in culture, education, healthcare, and social life. Shortcomings, negative practices, corruption, and weak governance must be gradually addressed to strengthen public trust.

I believe that each voter carefully considers their choice when casting their ballot. They will weigh whom to elect and whom not to elect, placing their trust in those with responsibility, intellect, integrity, and the capacity to fulfill the duties entrusted by the people.

Thank you very much!

On March 15, 2026, voters nationwide will participate in the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026 - 2031 tenure. This is a major political-legal event and a broad democratic activity across society, providing an opportunity for each citizen to directly exercise their rights and demonstrate their will and responsibility toward national development.