Vietnam applies digital technology to 2026 national election

Ta Thi Yen, deputy head of the National Assembly’s Committee for Deputy Affairs and deputy head of the Standing Office of the National Election Council, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that digital tools are being applied more widely across multiple stages of the electoral process.

The application of information technology and digital transformation is a key solution to ensure the election is conducted smoothly, accurately, and promptly.

Digital systems are being used in a wide range of activities, from election communication and campaigning to monitoring progress, compiling reports, preparing voter lists, printing voter cards, and updating turnout figures during voting hours.

Technology is also supporting the vote-counting process and the compilation of official results.

One notable change in this election cycle is the expanded option for online campaigning, Yen said.

Instead of relying solely on face-to-face campaigning as in previous terms, candidates for the National Assembly are now permitted by law to campaign either online or through a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual engagement.

“This allows candidates to present their action plans more comprehensively,” Yen said.

“Public information about candidates is also being delivered through various channels, including social media, the Internet, and traditional outreach in residential communities and polling areas."

The election information management system has been developed by military-run telecom group Viettel.

The platform enables officials at election committees nationwide to manage candidate dossiers more efficiently and carry out election-related procedures.

On the election day slated for March 15, the system is used to update real-time data on voting progress, including hourly turnout figures and overall participation rates.

After polling closes, the platform continues to support the entry and aggregation of vote-counting results, generating reports and statistics to ensure timely and accurate publication of outcomes.

VNeID app adds new election features

To facilitate citizen participation, the national digital ID system, VNeID, developed by the Ministry of Public Security, now includes a range of election-related features.

The ministry has issued guidelines on how to use the national population database and the VNeID app when compiling voter lists and printing voter cards.

This approach helps ensure the accuracy and consistency of voter data while minimizing overlaps or omissions.

Through the app, voters can also look up their designated polling stations, check the scope of elections in which they are eligible to participate and access nationwide lists and information about candidates.

Under current regulations, citizens have the right to vote either at their place of permanent residence or temporary residence.

To make this process easier, the ministry has introduced a digital procedure for issuing certificates that allow voters to cast ballots at locations other than their registered addresses.

The measure is designed to help citizens who are studying, working, or living away from home to exercise their voting rights fully.

Apart from the VNeID app, the ministry has connected the national election information portal with the national population database, allowing candidates to populate required information into declaration forms.

March 15 is designated as the nationwide election day for Vietnam’s legislative and local representative bodies.

Accordingly, voters across the country will cast ballots to elect deputies to the 16th National Assembly, the national legislature, and members of People’s Councils at provincial and commune levels.

These elected bodies will serve for the 2026–31 term.

The remote Tho Chau island off An Giang Province in southern Vietnam held an early vote on Sunday, with more than 2,100 voters expected to cast ballots.

Polling opened at 7:00 am at five polling stations on the island.