Remote Tho Chau island to hold early vote in Vietnam’s 2026 national election

Authorities said preparations for the vote on Tho Chau, a small island area off the southwestern coast, have been completed and more than 2,100 registered voters are expected to cast ballots.

The election is part of Vietnam's nationwide vote for members of the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026–31 term.

Tran Quoc Giang, deputy chairman of the Tho Chau administration, said the island had completed voter meetings, candidate information postings, and security arrangements ahead of the ballot.

Polling will open at 7:00 am (local time) on Sunday at five polling stations on the island, he said.

Tho Chau lies far from the mainland and residents mainly make a living from aquaculture and offshore fishing. 

Local authorities said they had worked with police, border guards, and coast guard forces to visit households and encourage fishermen to take part in the vote.

Visitors or residents from other localities currently on the island who wish to vote early would also be allowed to do so if they meet eligibility requirements.

Election documents will be transported to the mainland by high-speed boat on Monday after voting concludes, Giang said.

Elsewhere in Phu Quoc, authorities said preparations were also under way for the national election.

Local officials said about 96,805 voters are expected to cast ballots at 63 polling stations across the island.

Dang Thi Hong Gam, chairwoman of the Phu Quoc People's Council, said authorities had completed preparations including voter information campaigns, logistics and security arrangements to ensure the election takes place safely.