On April 20, 2025, Mr. Le Van Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Nam province, issued a document addressing local authorities concerning the re-proposal of names for administrative units anticipated after the recent restructuring. This move follows a resolution by the Provincial Party Executive Committee that was adopted on April 18, 2025, which outlined plans to merge and arrange various Party organizations and administrative units at both commune and provincial levels.
The resolution, known as Resolution No. 45, aims to condense 233 commune-level administrative units into just 88. This significant reduction has sparked a lively dialogue among local voters, many of whom have expressed a desire for the new names to reflect historical, traditional, and cultural factors unique to their communities.
In light of this feedback, the People's Committee has requested that localities review Article 7 of Resolution 76 from the National Assembly Standing Committee, which provides guidelines on the naming of administrative units. According to Mr. Dung, "In cases where name proposals differ from Resolution 45, it is vital to report back to the Provincial People's Committee through the Department of Home Affairs by 8:00 a.m. on April 21, 2025, to ensure proper compilation and reporting to the Provincial Party Committee and the Executive Committee." This directive emphasizes the urgency of incorporating public sentiment into the naming process.
The push for names that resonate with local history and culture is not merely a bureaucratic formality; it is a reflection of the community's identity and pride. Voters have voiced their concerns that names based solely on numerical order or geographical directions—like East, West, North, or South—fail to honor the rich traditions and stories of their regions.
For instance, in Hoi An, which currently comprises 13 administrative units, the restructuring will reduce this number to just four: three wards and one commune. The new wards will be named Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, and Hoi An Tay, with the commune being Tan Hiep. This renaming process has been met with mixed feelings, as some residents worry that the loss of historical names will erase their cultural heritage.
Similarly, in Tam Ky city, the current 12 units will be consolidated into four wards, with names reflecting the historical context of the area. Mr. Dung has acknowledged the legitimacy of the citizens' requests and has committed to revisiting the naming process to align it more closely with local traditions.
Moreover, the enthusiasm for name changes is not limited to Quang Nam province. Nearby Quang Tri province is also re-evaluating its approach to naming its administrative units. After the planned restructuring, Quang Tri is expected to have 37 commune-level units, including three wards and 33 communes, along with one special zone. Local officials are actively gathering public opinion to ensure that the new names resonate with the community's historical and cultural identity.
The process of gathering opinions in Quang Tri is set to continue until the end of April 20, 2025. Following this, the Department of Home Affairs will compile the feedback and present it to higher authorities by April 22. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the new administrative units are not only functional but also meaningful to the residents.
As the deadline for name proposals approaches, local governments are prioritizing the incorporation of community input into their final decisions. Many officials, including Mr. Dung, have stressed the importance of this process, noting that it is essential to honor the community's wishes and to preserve the cultural significance of the names.
In an interview with local media, Mr. Dung expressed his deep consideration of the citizens' feedback, stating, "I have been very concerned about this issue, and I believe it is crucial to reflect the community's voice in the naming process. The Standing Committee of the Provincial Party has agreed to revisit this matter to ensure that the new names align with our local history and culture."
This sentiment echoes throughout the province, where residents are eager to see their heritage reflected in the new administrative structure. The upcoming changes present an opportunity not only to streamline governance but also to reinforce community identity and pride through thoughtful naming practices.
As Quang Nam and Quang Tri move forward with their administrative restructuring, the emphasis on public engagement and cultural relevance will likely set a precedent for other provinces in Vietnam. The outcome of this process will not only shape the administrative landscape but also serve as a testament to the importance of community voices in shaping their governance.
In conclusion, as local authorities work to finalize the names of the newly arranged administrative units, they are faced with the challenge of balancing efficiency with the rich tapestry of cultural history that defines their communities. The decisions made in the coming days will resonate for years to come, making it imperative that they reflect the values and traditions of the people they serve.