Lao Cai completes voting earliest

On the evening of March 15, based on preliminary Report No. 367/BC-VPHĐBCQG dated March 15, 2026 issued by the Office of the National Election Council, the Election Press Center released updates on the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and members of People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026 - 2031 term across the country as of 20:00 on March 15, 2026.

Specifically, regarding the progress of voter participation: the total number of voters nationwide was 76,516,637; of which 76,043,527 had cast their ballots, equivalent to 99.38%.

Lao Cai Province was the first locality to complete the voting process (at 17:45) and, together with Hue City, was among two of the country’s 34 localities where voter turnout reached 100%.

Notably, Lao Cai Province had 173 voters aged 100 and above (31 men and 142 women). Two elderly voters personally went to polling stations to cast their ballots: Mr. Giang Nu Sua, aged 114 (born in 1912), and Ms. Sung Thi Du, aged 111 (born in 1915).

As of 20:00 on March 15, voter turnout in most localities had exceeded 99%, including Ha Tinh (99.99%); Lai Chau (99.97%); Tuyen Quang (99.96%); Dien Bien (99.91%); Lang Son (99.82%); Thai Nguyen (99.82%); Ca Mau (99.81%); Vinh Long (99.67%); Can Tho (99.35%); Nghe An (99.34%); Da Nang (99.92%); Tay Ninh (99.04%); Gia Lai (99.02%); Quang Ngai (99.01%), among others.

Nationwide, no electoral unit recorded a voter turnout below 50%.

Preliminary assessments of the election progress across the country showed that many northern mountainous provinces, despite challenging geographical conditions, witnessed highly active voter participation and completed voting early with very high turnout rates, such as Lao Cai (100%); Lai Chau (99.97%); Tuyen Quang (99.96%); Dien Bien (99.91%); and Lang Son and Thai Nguyen (99.82%).

Meanwhile, several major provinces and centrally run cities with large electorates, each with more than three million voters and frequent population fluctuations also recorded voter turnout above 99%. This reflected significant efforts by local election authorities in organizing the polls.

Public support and consensus for the election

By the end of the election, polling stations nationwide maintained a stable, orderly, and disciplined atmosphere, strictly complying with election laws and regulations. Public opinion generally expressed confidence in, and support for, the election. Voters’ active participation demonstrated a deep awareness of the value and significance of each ballot.

Domestic and international media organizations continued to closely follow and update developments related to the election. Coverage focused on on-the-ground developments at polling stations across provinces and cities, highlighting the participation of leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State, members of the armed forces, elderly voters, young voters casting ballots for the first time, ethnic minority communities, religious dignitaries, as well as voters in border areas, islands, mountainous regions, and other disadvantaged localities.

These reports consistently emphasized that the election was conducted in a democratic, well-organized, and orderly manner in accordance with legal procedures, reflecting a strong sense of responsibility and the vibrant atmosphere of a nationwide civic event.

Numerous international media outlets also reported on Vietnam’s election day, including TASS, Sputnik and RT (Russia), KPL Lao News Agency and Pasaxon (Laos), The Straits Times (Singapore), Nikkei Asia (Japan), and Yonhap News Agency (Republic of Korea). As of 19:00, a total of 6,402 news reports and articles had been published by domestic newspapers, magazines, online portals and specialized electronic platforms covering the election.

By the close of voting, political security and social order remained stable nationwide, ensuring favorable conditions for citizens to exercise their voting rights.