Vietnam to Elect New President in October Amid Turbulent Political Times
State media in Vietnam has announced that the country’s national assembly will elect a new president in October, marking the latest top-level change in an unusually turbulent period for the communist state.
The presidency is one of the key roles in Vietnam’s four-pillar leadership structure, which also includes the Communist Party general secretary, the prime minister, and the head of the National Assembly. The National Assembly will complete the presidency position at its regular session in October, according to state-run Voice of Vietnam, which quoted national assembly sources.
The move comes as Vietnam is experiencing unprecedented political upheaval. Current President To Lam was recently named general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, following the death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong. Trong held both positions at the same time between October 2018 and April 2021.
For decades, political changes in one-party Vietnam were carefully orchestrated with an emphasis on cautious stability. However, a major anti-corruption purge, dubbed the “blazing furnace,” has swept up numerous politicians and officials in recent years, including some of the country’s top leaders. This has thrown Vietnam into unfamiliar political turmoil.
Since 2021, two presidents – Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his successor Vo Van Thuong – have resigned as part of the anti-graft campaign, while three deputy prime ministers were also caught up. On Monday, the rubber-stamp national assembly announced three new deputy prime ministers, a chief judge, a chief prosecutor, and two ministers.
Vietnam’s political landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, marked by a shift away from the traditional, carefully managed transition of power. The country’s leaders are now facing increased scrutiny and pressure to address corruption and improve governance.
The upcoming presidential election in October is expected to be closely watched, as it will provide further insight into the country’s political direction and the leadership’s plans to address the ongoing challenges facing Vietnam.
