Nearly 4,000 voters in Que Phong district (Nghe An province) cast their ballots early.

Under the gentle golden sunlight of a summer morning stretching across the mountains and forests, the festive atmosphere spread to every village and hamlet, marking the moment when thousands of voters gathered.Que Phong districtEager to vote early, people of the Thai, Khmu, and Mong ethnic groups, dressed in their traditional attire, hurried to the village cultural centers where ballot boxes were placed to vote for representatives to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 term, in order to exercise their rights and fulfill their duties.

Voters in Na Sành village implement COVID-19 prevention measures before casting their ballots. Photo: Xuân Hoàng

At exactly 7:00 AM, 10 early voting areas in Que Phong district simultaneously held opening ceremonies in accordance with the law, after which voters proceeded to cast their ballots.voteas required by law.

Observations show that all polling stations implemented Covid-19 prevention regulations: 100% of voters wore masks, sanitized their hands, and had their temperature checked before casting their votes.

While waiting to cast their votes, voters maintained social distancing to prevent the spread of the disease. Photo: Xuan Hoang

On this major day, voters in Que Phong district participated in the election to choose 3 National Assembly representatives, 3 provincial People's Council representatives, 34 candidates for district-level People's Councils, and nearly 400 candidates for commune-level People's Councils.

At polling station number 12 (Na Sành village) in Tien Phong commune, although it was only 6:30 AM, it was already quite crowded.votersAt the community center, everyone present held a voter card in their hands.

Voters register to cast their ballots. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Vi Thi Dong (22 years old, of the Thai ethnic group) was holding a ballot for the first time to exercise her civic right, so she was quite nervous: “Today I put aside all family matters and dedicated my time to voting to personally elect someone with the qualifications and capabilities, someone worthy to represent my people, to have a voice at all levels, and to pay more attention to people in remote areas and ethnic minority communities.”

Voters in Na Sành village, Tiền Phong commune, cast their ballots in person. Photo: Xuân Hoàng

Mr. Vo Khanh Toan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Tien Phong commune, said: Because this polling area does not yet have access to the national power grid, the local authorities have prepared generators to provide electricity during the election. Due to COVID-19 prevention measures, voters did not gather in one session, but spread out throughout the day to ensure social distancing during voting. By 10:00 AM, out of a total of 415 voters in this area, over 70% had already cast their votes, while about 30%, due to the commune's central location, will vote this afternoon.

A view of the early voting area in Muong Long village, Tri Le commune. Photo: Quang An

Polling station number 2 in Muong Long village, Tri Le border commune, is the most challenging early voting location among the 10 early voting stations in Que Phong district. This polling station has 339 voters who are Mong ethnic people.

Attending the polling station in this area were Mr. Nguyen Duc Thanh - Vice Chairman of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, Deputy Head of the National Assembly Election Committee; and Mr. Duong Hoang Vu - Chairman of the People's Committee of Que Phong District.

Immediately after the election opening ceremony, voters arrived at the polling stations one after another. Mr. Va Ba Tuan, a Hmong man, was present very early to cast his vote responsibly. Mr. Tuan said: “I don’t remember how many times I’ve voted, but every time it’s been a joy. Our people have a responsibility to elect people with virtue and talent to serve the country and care for the lives of our people…”

COVID-19 prevention measures are being implemented rigorously. Photo: Quang An

In this early election, the border district of Que Phong has 3,843 voters in 10 areas.electorof 5 communes, including: Area 1 (Huoi Moi village), Area 2 (Muong Long village, Tri Le 4 Primary School), Area 3 (Huoi Xai village) and Area 4 (Nam Tot village) of Tri Le commune; Area 4 (Na Khich village) of Nam Nhoong commune; Area 2 (Cam Pom village) and Area 3 (Huoi May residential cluster) of Cam Muon commune; Area 6 (Thanh Phong 1, Thanh Phong 2 villages) and Area 7 (Ha Son village, Dai village, Nhan Hac hydroelectric power plant) of Muong Ngoc commune; Area 12 (Na Sanh village) of Tien Phong commune.

The early voting area in Muong Long village has 339 voters. Photo: Quang An

Ballot boxes are inspected before voters cast their ballots. Photo: Quang An

According to a preliminary report from the Que Phong District Election Council, following the opening ceremony, at exactly 7:00 AM, voting commenced at the 10 early polling stations in the district.

During this early election, the Que Phong District Election Committee and local authorities made thorough preparations in many aspects. Most polling stations had members of the District Election Committee present to inspect the process. By 11:00 AM, the voter turnout had reached nearly 80%.

Voting procedures were conducted rigorously. Photo: Quang An

Voters in Muong Long village, Tri Le commune, cast their ballots in the election for National Assembly and People's Council representatives at all levels for the 2021-2026 term. Photo: Quang An

According to Bui Van Hien, Vice Chairman of the Que Phong District People's Committee and Chairman of the District Election Council: "Generally, public opinion is very positive, voters are enthusiastic and confident in the success of the election. The atmosphere is democratic and open, based on ensuring compliance with the law, which is the general atmosphere in localities on this early election day."