Why does the Fatherland Front propose to increase the proportion of National Assembly deputies who are non-Party members?

In the report of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front on the results of the first consultative conference to elect deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 term, the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front proposed that the National Election Council and the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) increase the proportion of non-Party deputies compared to the NASC's plan.

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc - Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front affirmed that the proportion of non-Party delegates is a very important component. Therefore, the Front proposed to pay attention to non-Party delegates because in reality, in many recent terms, the proportion of National Assembly delegates who are non-Party delegates has not been guaranteed.

Mr. Thuc also said that the ratio of non-Party delegates at around 5-10% is good. The Front's proposal is to maintain this ratio. In the 14th term, we had 21 delegates who were non-Party delegates, which still did not reach that ratio.

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc has some discussions around this issue:

PV:Sir, why does the Presidium of the Vietnam Fatherland Front propose to increase the proportion of National Assembly deputies who are non-Party members?

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc:There are many reasons, one of which is that we now see that party members are all elite people, all striving for the country and the people, but the number of party members is only over 5 million people, while the population of the whole country is nearly 100 million. Secondly, the members of the Front in the great national solidarity bloc, in addition to the member organizations, also have outstanding individuals in many fields, for many reasons they may not have become party members but they always agree with the Party's renewal policy, making the country develop richly, beautifully, and civilized. They are intellectuals, workers, farmers, artists..., if they have enough conditions and standards, we should also pay attention.

PV:In the 14th term, we have 21 delegates who are non-Party members. How do you see those delegates performing?

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc:I see that the non-Party delegates in the 14th term are all trusted by voters. They all show enthusiasm and high responsibility towards the people. A special point about them is their frankness, understanding the people's thoughts with a sense of responsibility and constructiveness.

PV:Are there any unfortunate cases, sir?

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc:Basically, the delegates who are non-Party members in this term are generally good, complying with the law as well as the regulations on delegate responsibilities. As I said above, they are all very dedicated, straightforward, and responsible, which is highly appreciated not only by voters but also by agencies and organizations.

PV:To select truly qualified non-Party delegates, how should the introduction and consultation process be conducted strictly, sir?

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc:First of all, it must be affirmed that all candidates or self-nominated candidates, non-Party members or Party members are equal before the law. Thus, the nomination process must be truly democratic and public, and the steps in the process must be followed: whether non-Party delegates, self-nominated delegates or nominated delegates, all must receive the trust of voters at their workplace and place of residence in accordance with the correct procedure. This is also one of the first steps to review and detect those who do not meet the conditions and standards. Through contact activities after the rounds of consultation, the price is also a basis for evaluating candidates.

PV:Some people say that it is very difficult for non-Party members to enter the National Assembly. What do you think about this opinion?

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc:First of all, it must be affirmed that all citizens are equal before the law. However, in practice, social awareness is not necessarily adequate in creating conditions for all components. In my opinion, there needs to be more widespread propaganda.

But I think that the election is organized in a clear, democratic, and objective manner; the recommended candidates and self-nominated candidates are all guaranteed to meet all the conditions and standards that have been publicly announced at voters' conferences and consultative conferences. There is no reason why those who meet the conditions and standards should not be selected to be recommended to the people for election.

PV:So what role does the Front play in increasing the proportion of non-Party members participating in the National Assembly?

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc:We closely coordinate with the standing bodies of the National Assembly and the standing bodies of People's Councils at all levels in discovering, introducing and creating objective conditions, removing all barriers so that self-nominated candidates or candidates introduced by agencies and organizations are equal.

PV:What do you expect if the National Assembly has more representatives from outside the Party?

Mr. Ngo Sach Thuc:If we can achieve a ratio of 25-50 non-Party delegates in this National Assembly, that would be very good. I believe that with this ratio, we will be able to promote intelligence andsolidarity of all classes, members of the National Assembly.

PV:Thank you sir./.