Ministries, agencies asked to effectively hold elections amidst pandemic
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 10 requested ministries, ministerial-level agencies and relevant Government agencies to proactively develop scenarios to hold the upcoming elections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic while chairing a Cabinet meeting on election preparations.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (C) addresses Cabinet meeting (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 10 requestedministries, ministerial-level agencies and relevant Government agencies toproactively develop scenarios to hold the upcoming elections amidst theCOVID-19 pandemic while chairing a Cabinet meeting on election preparations.
The PM asked the Ministry of Health to clarify criteria forlocalities on how to declare the pandemic and specific response measures.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Communicationsand press agencies were urged to expand dissemination on the elections anddisease prevention and control measures on all means of communications, with diversified,rich, practical and effective forms.
The ministries of National Defence and Public Security shouldstay ready to ensure security, safety and order at polling stations from nowuntil the election day – May 23.
The People's Committees at all levels need coordinateclosely with the organisations in charge of the election work in the localities,ensure facilities, technology and equipment for the elections, and focus on pandemicprevention and control, Chinh stressed.
Given the complex developments of the pandemic, the Governmentleader emphasised the need for a written request to the National ElectionCouncil requiring specific regulations on the organisation of meetings withvoters and voting in an appropriate form.
He asked agencies, following their assigned functions andtasks, to effectively organise in the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenureto elect competent candidates and at the same time ensure pandemic preventionand control.
Reporting on election organisation, a representative fromthe Ministry of Home Affairs said that over the past time, the NationalElection Council, ministries, sectors and localities have taken drasticmeasures to fight the pandemic and actively prepare for the elections.
Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan stated that hisministry had issued a plan on medical work serving the elections with focus onenvironmental sanitation and COVID-19 safety, food safety, and emergency andseveral special cases./.
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and other candidates for the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and the An Giang provincial People’s Council for the 2021-2026 tenure had a meeting with constituents in the Mekong Delta province’s Chau Thanh district on May 7.
The highest priority at this time is to fight COVID-19 and deal with its consequences in order to ensure security and safety as well as the public’s health, and complete the set dual goals, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on May 7.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 9 held an urgent video conference with the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, relevant ministries and agencies, and six provinces along the southwestern border, focusing on how to respond to the latest COVID-19 resurgence in the country.
Preparations for the May 23 general elections have so far been basically completed in a thorough, comprehensive and synchronous manner, said Chief of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security Lieut Gen To An Xo.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (C) addresses Cabinet meeting (Photo: VNA) 
