Residents of Phú Quý special administrative zone view the list of candidates for the elections on March 15. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thanh

LÂM ĐỒNG — On the island of Phú Quý, a special administrative zone of Lâm Đồng Province, thorough preparation is underway for the elections of the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 tenure.

Located about 120km southeast of Phan Thiết Port, this special administrative zone was established through the merger of Long Hải, Ngũ Phụng and Tam Thanh communes in July 2025.

The zone covers a natural area of 18sq.km and has a population of around 32,000. It is known for its strong marine economic potential, particularly in tourism and fisheries.

With 23,345 voters across six electoral units, this election marks the first time election authorities and processes are adapted to the two-tier local government model.

So far, 21 polling teams have been established across Phú Quý.

Returning to the island from a long fishing trip, Đỗ Văn Nhất, a resident of Quý Thạnh Village, went to the local cultural house to review the list of candidates running for the 16th National Assembly (NA) and for the People’s Councils.

Nhất observed the candidates are highly educated and possess extensive practical work experience.

He said he hoped to select individuals with both virtue and capability who can genuinely represent local residents, serve as a bridge between the Party, the State and the people, and help introduce policies that will contribute to making Phú Quý increasingly prosperous and civilised.

In a phone interview with Tin tức (News) newspaper, fishing boat captain Nguyễn Văn Dũng said that he and his 15-member crew are well aware of the upcoming elections, despite currently operating around the DK1 Platform, far away from shore.

“After hauling in a few more catches, our vessel will head back to Phú Quý," said Dũng.

"We plan to arrive at the port on the morning of March 14, so that the crew can rest and then take part in the election on the island on March 15.”

Strategic zone

As the only special administrative zone of Lâm Đồng Province, Phú Quý has been identified as an area of particularly strategic importance, holding a key position in the province’s socio-economic development strategy.

So far, preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 tenure have been carried out in a methodical and thorough manner, ready for the major political event for local residents.

Posters promoting the elections of the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2026-2031 tenure have been erected across Phú Quý special administrative zone. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thanh

Nguyễn Văn Trị, permanent deputy secretary of the Phú Quý Party Committee and chairman of the administrative zone’s election committee, said: “Local authorities clearly recognises that this election is not only a regular political event but also a milestone marking the stature and special role of the Phú Quý in the province’s overall development strategy.”

Communication work has been identified as a key task to ensure that every citizen understands the timing, significance and their responsibilities in the election.

The special zone has conducted information campaigns through flexible and diverse forms tailored to different groups. At village meetings, local officials highlight important aspects of the election, particularly voters’ responsibilities in selecting qualified representatives for the new tenure.

For fishing vessels operating at sea, the local election committee has coordinated to distribute leaflets and transmit information via radio so that captains and crew members can stay informed about the election day.

To ensure both progress and quality, the chairman of Phú Quý’s election committee has urged committee members to uphold a strong sense of responsibility, closely follow their assigned tasks and complete all preparations so that the election is conducted effectively and according to schedule.

They are instructed to stay connected with their assigned areas to guide and support electoral units to ensure the election in the special administrative zone is carried out successfully.

With the serious and thorough preparations made by the Phú Quý election committee, the election in the locality is expected to see a democratic election day, amid a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere. — VNS