An election drill in Tuy Hoà City, the south-central province of Phú Yên, held on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Triệu

HÀ NỘI — The Prime Minister has asked ministries, agencies and People’s Committees at all levels to raise their sense of responsibility and pay great attention to preparations for the general elections, on May 23, 2021.

In a document sent to ministries, agencies and localities ahead of the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for 2021-26, Government leader Phạm Minh Chính called on the Ministry of Health to provide regular updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ministry needs to supplement appropriate plans and solutions to deal with any pandemic incidents during the elections, and establish a working group that will receive and respond to health information from May 18 to the end of the political event.

The Ministry of Information and Communications should work harder to encourage voters to cast their ballots on the day, he said, suggesting the utilisation of both traditional and modern communication methods, with more attention paid to remote, far-flung and ethnic minority-inhabited areas.

Prompt actions are also needed to handle distorted online information about the election from hostile, reactionary parties, especially when the election is just days away, the PM stressed.

Meanwhile, the Ministries of National Defence and Public Security will continue with the task of dealing with acts that aim to harm political security and social order and safety, and sabotage the elections while ensuring complete safety. All units must be ready to render services when required, as well as cooperate with local authorities in the fight against COVID-19.

He asked localities to draw up detailed plans for the elections amid the complex development of the pandemic, saying more heed should be given to constituencies and polling stations under medical quarantine due to COVID-19.

The PM also ordered plans on natural disaster and fire prevention and control on election day. — VNS