Speech by General Secretary To Lam at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first general election to elect the National Assembly of Vietnam.
This morning, January 6th, the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first general election to elect the Vietnamese National Assembly (January 6, 1946 - January 6, 2026) was solemnly held at the Dien Hong Hall, National Assembly Building. General Secretary To Lam attended and delivered a keynote speech at the ceremony.
Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television respectfully present the full text of General Secretary To Lam's speech.
Distinguished leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front,
Distinguished leaders, former leaders of the National Assembly, and members of the National Assembly from all periods,
Dear compatriots and soldiers,
Distinguished comrades, esteemed delegates, and international friends.
Today, in the atmosphere of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army striving to achieve outstanding results to welcome the 14th National Congress of the Party, we solemnly organize this commemorative ceremony.80 years since the first general election that elected the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam., now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
This is not only an opportunity to recall a momentous historical event, but also a deeply meaningful moment to reflect on the formation and development of Vietnam's revolutionary democracy, to pay tribute to the previous generations who laid the foundation for the people's right to self-governance, and to affirm the political determination of the entire Party and people in continuing to innovate and improve the system, leading the country to rapid and sustainable development in the new era – the era of the Vietnamese nation's rise.
On behalf of the Party and State leaders, I respectfully extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to the leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front; the leaders and former leaders of the National Assembly and National Assembly deputies from all periods; the people, soldiers, and international friends.
Dear comrades, fellow citizens, and friends,
Eighty years ago, in response to the call of beloved President Ho Chi Minh, on January 6, 1946, for the first time in the nation's history, Vietnamese people aged 18 and above, regardless of gender, social class, ethnicity, religion, or political views, directly cast their votes to elect their representatives to the highest organs of state power.
In the context of a newly independent nation, a fledgling revolutionary government, and a multitude of internal and external enemies, the general election was still organized democratically, openly, seriously, and successfully, with a voter turnout rate of 89%. The results elected 333 National Assembly representatives, vividly reflecting broad representation and the spirit of national unity, with the participation of political parties, social classes, ethnic groups, and religions from all three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam.
The 1946 General Election was held according to the most progressive democratic principles: universal, equal, direct, and secret ballot. This historical event became a glorious milestone, marking the first leap forward in the democratic institutions of the new Vietnamese State, affirming a great truth: State power belongs to the people.
The victory of the first General Election was not only the result of the patriotic spirit and the will for independence and freedom of the nation, but also a vivid testament to the correct and creative revolutionary line of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, opening a new era in the history of building a State of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Distinguished delegates, fellow citizens, and friends,
Since the historic milestone of 1946, and through 80 years of accompanying the nation and 15 terms of operation, the Vietnamese National Assembly has continuously matured and grown stronger, affirming its role as the center of national political and legal life, and as a constitutional institution holding a key position in building and perfecting the socialist rule of law state of Vietnam.
In the field of constitutional and legislative matters, the National Assembly has promulgated five Constitutions, each linked to major turning points in the Vietnamese revolution. Each Constitution reflects the country's level of development and demonstrates a constantly evolving mindset in the organization and operation of state power. In particular, the 15th National Assembly's adoption of the Resolution amending and supplementing several articles of the Constitution marked a new development in constitutional history, constitutionally establishing a two-tiered model of local government organization, streamlining the apparatus, and enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of national governance, meeting the development requirements of the country in its new phase.
The National Assembly is increasingly demonstrating its leading role in institutional reform, proactively and promptly institutionalizing the Party's guidelines and policies into laws; promoting innovation in legislative thinking towards development-oriented approaches; and strongly applying digital technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence in lawmaking, contributing to the formation of a comprehensive, transparent, and stable legal framework for national development.
The supreme oversight activities of the National Assembly and its agencies are constantly being reformed, deepened, and focused on major, pressing issues of socio-economic life, closely linked to the legitimate aspirations of the people; thereby contributing to improving discipline, order, effectiveness, and efficiency of the state apparatus.
In fulfilling its function of deciding on important national issues, the National Assembly has clearly demonstrated its political acumen, collective intelligence, and high sense of responsibility to the people and history, with many timely and correct decisions on socio-economic development, national defense, security, foreign affairs, organizational structure, and high-level personnel of the State.
Parliamentary diplomacy has been comprehensively, proactively, and effectively strengthened, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's position and prestige in the international arena, clearly demonstrating the image of Vietnam as a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community.
Throughout those 80 years, the National Assembly has always been closely connected with the people, listening to their voices, truthfully reflecting their will and aspirations, and rightfully serving as a vibrant embodiment of national unity, the highest representative body of the people, and the highest state power organ of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Dear comrades, fellow citizens, and friends,
Towards the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party (1930 – 2030) and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the nation (1945 – 2045), our Party has set the goal for 2045,Vietnam has become a developed, powerful, prosperous, and happy nation.That is the great aspiration, the unified will of our entire Party, people, and army.
To realize that aspiration, the role of the National Assembly in creating development institutions is of paramount importance. Without breakthroughs in institutions and laws, and without a National Assembly that is courageous, intelligent, decisive in action, and highly responsible, those lofty goals are unlikely to become a reality.
In this context, the National Assembly needs to continue to uphold its glorious 80-year tradition, taking a proactive approach in institutional reform, courageously deciding on difficult issues, new initiatives, and areas without precedent; paving the way for innovation, and for rapid and sustainable national development. I propose that the National Assembly continue to pursue the following directions:
Firstly, we must continue to build the National Assembly into a truly supreme organ of state power., promoting democracy, the rule of law, modernity, professionalism; openness, transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency in organization and operation.
Secondly, continue to vigorously innovate legislative thinking., in the direction of constructive development and leadership. Promoting strategic breakthroughs, creating a new development ecosystem; focusing on perfecting and synchronizing institutions for rapid and sustainable national development. At the same time, fundamentally reforming and improving the quality and effectiveness of legislative activities, ensuring national governance through the Constitution and laws, and meeting the requirements of international integration.
Third, improve the quality of supervision.Viewing supervision as a constructive tool to promote development, linking "construction" with "combat," and taking "construction" as the fundamental and long-term basis. Continuing to improve the quality of questioning, explanations, and supervision of legal documents; focusing on monitoring, reviewing, and urging the implementation of recommendations after supervision; and strictly implementing the confidence vote of the National Assembly.
Fourth, improve the quality of decision-making on important national issues.Based on comprehensive, scientific, and transparent data.
Fifth, deepen parliamentary diplomacy., contributing to further enhancing Vietnam's position on the international stage.
Comrades,
Our country is standing at a historic turning point. The responsibility placed on the shoulders of the National Assembly and each member of the National Assembly is extremely heavy but also incredibly glorious.
On the eve of the 16th National Assembly elections, the Party and the people expect the National Assembly deputies to continue to be exemplary individuals in terms of intellect, courage, morality, and a spirit of service to the Fatherland and the people; to dare to think, dare to act, dare to take responsibility, and place national interests above all else, worthily continuing the glorious 80-year tradition of the Vietnamese National Assembly.
On the occasion of the New Year 2026 and in preparation for the Lunar New Year of the Horse, I would like to wish all comrades, delegates, compatriots, soldiers, and international friends good health, happiness, and success; and wish the Vietnamese National Assembly continued strong development, worthy of the trust and affection of the Party, the State, and the people.
Thank you very much!
