Ahead of the election: Young Overseas Vietnamese pin hopes on the new National Assembly

Speaking with The People’s Deputies Newspaper, Tran Le Hung, currently an Associate Professor and lecturer at the Paris School of Engineering, Gustave Eiffel University in France, said the election is not only an opportunity for voters to exercise their rights, but also an important starting point for the country’s next stage of development.

Overseas Vietnamese always look toward the homeland

According to Associate Professor Tran Le Hung, the forthcoming elections of National Assembly deputies and People’s Council members are a particularly significant political event for the country. Although living abroad, he regularly follows information on the preparations for the elections and related activities.

“The elections of the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels are a major event. Every citizen carries a responsibility with their ballot, exercising their voter rights to choose the most deserving representatives of the people”, he said.

He noted that not only himself but also many Vietnamese living overseas closely monitor developments at home, especially major political events such as elections. Information is accessed through various channels, from official news outlets and mass media to social media platforms.

He added that the public disclosure of information about candidates and their action programs by media organizations and communication platforms helps voters easily access, study and evaluate the candidates. This, he said, demonstrates transparency in the election process while providing voters with a stronger basis for selecting representatives who truly possess capability and dedication.

Positive developments in Vietnam

From the perspective of someone living and working abroad, Associate Professor Tran Le Hung believes Vietnam has achieved notable progress across many fields in recent years.

Vietnam has increasingly asserted its position on the international stage, with its voice gaining attention at many international organizations and forums. At the same time, the economy has maintained positive growth, people’s living standards have improved, the social environment remains stable, and security and public order are ensured.

“In recent years, Vietnam has made rapid progress and received positive assessments from the international community. From infrastructure development and changes in the urban landscape to policies promoting socio-economic growth, all reflect a strong transformation of the country”, he said.

According to him, these achievements reflect not only the efforts of the entire political system but also social consensus and public confidence in the country’s development path.

Elections as an important milestone in development

Looking back on the development journey of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Associate Professor Tran Le Hung emphasized the historical significance of the first general election in 1946, an event that laid the foundation for building a democratic state in Vietnam.

“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the first general election. Throughout that journey, the National Assembly has always played an important role, embodying the will, aspirations and mastery of the people”, he said.

According to him, the National Assembly has made important contributions to the process of building, safeguarding and developing the country - from perfecting the legal system to deciding on key national issues.

As Vietnam enters a new phase of development with both opportunities and challenges, the upcoming elections carry even greater significance. They provide voters not only the chance to choose their representatives but also mark the beginning of a new National Assembly term with high expectations.

Expectations for the role of a “institutional architect”

Regarding the role of the next National Assembly, Associate Professor Tran Le Hung said the legislature will continue to play a key role in promoting economic growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability. At the same time, it will work to improve the legal framework to promote innovation, science and technology, the digital economy, and the green transition.

“Improving the legal framework, reducing overlaps between laws, and promoting innovation and the digital economy will create important institutional momentum for growth”, he stressed.

One issue of particular interest to overseas Vietnamese is strengthening connections between the homeland and the global Vietnamese community.

According to Tran Le Hung, overseas Vietnamese are not only an important source of remittances but also a “knowledge ecosystem” with networks of experts, entrepreneurs and extensive international connections.

“This is a tremendous resource for national development if it is effectively mobilized”, he said.

He expressed hope that the National Assembly will adopt more flexible policies to attract Vietnamese experts, scientists and entrepreneurs abroad to contribute to the country. Mechanisms such as the recognition of foreign degrees, flexible expert contracts, or special policies for internationally connected innovation centers could create more favorable conditions for overseas Vietnamese.

In addition, establishing dedicated “one-stop” mechanisms for overseas Vietnamese, along with specialized information portals and support services, would help strengthen connections between the diaspora and the homeland.

“Vietnamese voters both at home and abroad expect the new National Assembly not only to function as a legislative body in a technical sense, but truly to become an “institutional architect” for Vietnam’s next stage of development”, he said.