Officers at the Cà Mau High Command check out the lists of candidates for the National Assembly deputies and all-level People’s Councils. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ said all preparations for the election of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils for the 2021-2026 term were basically completed.

Speaking at an online conference with 63 cities and provinces nationwide yesterday, Huệ said it was essential to ensure the election is conducted safely and successfully, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants of the conference reviewed all tasks for the election and discussed problems, difficulties, recommendations and proposals from localities, organisations and agencies regarding the election.

After presenting the Government's report on the results of election preparations, Minister of Home Affairs Phạm Thi Thanh Trà asked ministries and People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to strictly and effectively carry out election preparation to ensure the scheduled progress in accordance with the law and the National Election Council's plan.

Ministries and agencies have issued documents guiding the local implementation of election work, ensuring political security, social order and safety. They have also developed plans in case the COVID-19 pandemic becomes more serious.

The Ministry of Public Security has prepared to ensure the security, social order and safety of the election.

Regarding the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic amid the election, based on the documents of the National Election Council, the direction of the Government, the Prime Minister and the guiding documents of the National Election Council, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Home Affairs, other ministries, central-level hospitals and localities have developed specific plans and prepared facilities, equipment and materials to deal with outbreaks before, during, and after election day.

Some localities have held early votings and others have conducted election drills. A Government report showed that strict drills have been implemented, especially in quarantine areas and in areas where social distancing regulations are in place.

The National Election Council had allowed 15 provinces to conduct early voting. So far, Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu, Khánh Hoà and Quảng Nam provinces have held voting in some areas.

Many localities have been creative in communications work about the election in many formats amidst the pandemic, according to Bùi Văn Cường, chief of the National Assembly Office.

According to the National Electoral Council, up to now, the total number of people officially running for the 15th National Assembly election has decreased from 868 to 866. By May 14, the sub-committee to settle complaints and denunciations had received 164 petitions from citizens regarding the election. -- VNS