Expectations for practical policies for the fishing industry.

The seaside village before the big festival.

In the days leading up to the election, the atmosphere in coastal villages is more bustling than usual. From the fishing docks and boat mooring areas to the roads leading into the hamlets, flags, banners, and slogans are prominently displayed, creating an atmosphere of excitement in anticipation of the great national event.

At community centers, voter lists are publicly displayed for people to review. Local public address systems continuously broadcast information about the significance of the election and the rights and responsibilities of voters. Despite being busy with their livelihoods, many fishermen still take the time to learn about the candidates in preparation for voting day.

In the coastal commune of Quỳnh Phú (formed by merging the communes of An Hòa, Phú Nghĩa, Thuận Long, and Văn Hải of the former Quỳnh Lưu district), large fishing vessels have just docked after a long voyage lasting several days. At the fishing port, after completing the unloading of seafood,Fishermen took the opportunity to chat about their work and the upcoming election. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, a fisherman with over 25 years of experience at sea, shared that for fishermen, election day always holds special significance. "We spend long days at sea, sometimes a whole week before returning to shore. But on election day, everyone tries to arrange their work to participate. It's both a right and a responsibility of every citizen."

At the Phu Lien Village Cultural Center in Quynh Phu Commune, preparations for election day are nearing completion. The polling area has been solemnly decorated with the national flag, banners, and information boards for voters.

Mr. Ho Quoc Cuong, Secretary of the Phu Lien Village Party Branch, said that the locality has completed the posting of voter lists and candidate lists in accordance with regulations. Propaganda efforts have also been intensified through community meetings and the public address system. The village currently has 755 voters, including 72 who are directly involved in seafood harvesting and 66 who work on sea transport vessels. Because the election day coincides with the time when many fishing boats return to shore after long fishing trips, most fishermen will be present in the locality to participate in voting.

For workers employed on cargo ships or those who spend long periods at sea, local authorities proactively gather information and coordinate with their families to find the most convenient way for voters to exercise their right to vote as prescribed by law.

Mr. Le Khanh Toan, Vice Chairman of the People's Council of Quynh Phu commune, said that the entire commune has established 69 polling stations to serve voters. Due to the unique characteristics of being a coastal locality, many voters often spend long days at sea, so preparations were carried out early. Villages and hamlets have completed posting voter lists, decorating polling stations, and intensifying propaganda to help people understand the significance of election day.

Not only in Quynh Phu commune, but also in many other coastal localities, the atmosphere of preparation for election day is vibrant. In Hai Chau commune, which has a fairly large fishing fleet, many fishermen have proactively arranged their fishing schedules to ensure they are present in the locality on election day.

Mr. Tran Van Binh, the owner of a fishing boat with a capacity of over 150 horsepower, said that fishermen in the commune regularly exchange information about the candidates and their expectations after the election. "We hope that those elected will continue to pay attention to the fishing industry, especially policies supporting fishermen venturing out to sea, protecting marine resources, and ensuring the safety of boats while operating at sea."

In recent years, fishing has faced numerous difficulties. Rising fuel costs, declining fish stocks, and unpredictable weather patterns have made fishing activities risky for fishermen. Therefore, fishermen earnestly hope that the elected representatives will pay more attention to developing long-term, stable policies so that people can feel secure in continuing their fishing activities.

In Tan Mai ward – a locality with a large offshore fishing fleet in the province – the authorities are also stepping up election awareness campaigns. Many boat owners have proactively adjusted their fishing schedules to ensure all crew members can participate in voting. Some boats operating near the shore are also encouraged to dock early so that fishermen do not miss out on their civic right.

Mr. Phan Van Hai, captain of a fishing boat in Tan Mai ward, said: "We fishermen spend all year at sea, so election day is a very meaningful and important occasion. We try to arrange our work to participate fully, because each vote contributes to choosing representatives who reflect the will and aspirations of the people."

Entrusting our faith

The atmosphere of preparation for election day is not only reflected in the decoration of polling stations or propaganda activities, but also clearly in the awareness of the people. Many voters said that they proactively sought information about the candidates through voter outreach events, local radio broadcasts, and official information channels.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a small trader specializing in purchasing seafood at Lach Quen fishing port, said: "We hope that the elected representatives will pay more attention to investing in fishing infrastructure, upgrading fishing ports, and supporting seafood consumption so that people can feel secure in their production."

Mr. Pham Van Hung, an elderly fisherman in Dien Chau commune, shared: “We hope that the elected representatives will listen to the voices of fishermen and pay more attention to the lives of people living along the coast. Fishing is still a difficult profession, so practical policies are needed to help fishermen feel secure and continue fishing in the long term.”

From the coastal fishing villages, the people's faith is being placed in each ballot. It is faith in the voters' wise choices, in representatives who are dedicated and capable., so that the coastal villages of Nghe An will prosper and the lives of fishermen will become more comfortable and prosperous.