Hanoi, Vietnam. Vietnam’s Communist Party won nearly 97% of the 500 seats in the National Assembly, according to results released by the parliament on March 22, confirming the party’s dominance after a vote in which almost all candidates were fielded by the ruling party.
Seat count and turnout
The party won 482 seats, roughly in line with the number it held in the outgoing parliament. Authorities said turnout in the five-yearly elections for parliament and local councils exceeded 99%, consistent with past elections.
Role of the National Assembly
Vietnam’s unicameral parliament has virtually no power to challenge the party’s key decisions, including on personnel, but it has occasionally amended proposed laws.
Upcoming session and leadership confirmations
The National Assembly is scheduled to hold its first weeks-long session from April 6. During the plenary, lawmakers are due to confirm new state leaders to be named by the party, including the prime minister and the president.
To Lam and comparisons with China
To Lam, who was confirmed as general secretary at the party’s January congress, is widely expected to be chosen as president as well. His expected elevation would further align Vietnam’s political structure with neighbouring China, where Xi Jinping serves as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and president.
Regional context and broader challenges
Vietnam and China are among a handful of communist-ruled states. Despite a long history of mistrust and territorial disputes, including over islands and waters in the South China Sea, their Communist parties remain officially close. The conclusion of the election comes as Vietnam grapples with spillover effects of the deepening Middle East crisis on global trade, energy markets and regional stability.
What do you expect the National Assembly’s April session to prioritise?