On May 6, 2025, a significant proposal was unveiled regarding the governance structure in Vietnam, particularly focusing on the consolidation of administrative units and the amendment of the 2013 Constitution. This proposal, which has sparked considerable public interest and debate, suggests that the election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the People’s Council (HĐND) and the People’s Committee (UBND) will not be held during the restructuring of the government apparatus. Instead, these positions will be appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee and the Prime Minister following the administrative adjustments.
The draft resolution, consisting of two main articles, was designed to amend and supplement several provisions of the 2013 Constitution. Article 1 includes eight clauses that propose changes regarding the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations, as well as the organization of local governments. Article 2 specifies the effective date and transitional provisions, stating that the resolution will take effect on July 1, 2025, at which point all district-level administrative units across the country will cease to operate.
According to the draft resolution, when the restructuring of government agencies is carried out after the administrative unit arrangements, elections for key positions such as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the People’s Council, Heads of the People’s Council Committees, and members of the People’s Committee will not be conducted. Instead, the National Assembly Standing Committee will appoint these officials based on notifications from the relevant Party Committees that manage personnel.
This proposal aims to streamline the governance structure amid significant changes, as the country prepares to eliminate district-level administrative units, which have historically been a part of the local governance framework. The Prime Minister will also appoint the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the People’s Committees for the newly formed provinces and centrally-run cities.
During the first meeting of the Constitution Amendment Drafting Committee, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized the urgency of these amendments, stating that they are crucial for creating a legal foundation for the political system's restructuring. He noted that the amendments are aligned with the Politburo’s conclusion regarding the consolidation of administrative units and the establishment of new commune-level entities.
In a notable shift, the draft resolution also allows for the appointment of personnel who are not members of the People’s Council to hold leadership positions at both provincial and commune levels formed after the restructuring. This provision is particularly aimed at addressing the unique challenges posed by the extensive administrative changes.
The draft resolution has been made available for public opinion, with the government and various media outlets actively soliciting feedback from citizens and organizations. The government’s approach emphasizes the importance of transparency and public involvement in the legislative process, as it seeks to ensure that the proposed changes reflect the will and needs of the people.
As the country prepares for these sweeping changes, there are concerns about how the transition will affect local governance and the representation of citizens’ interests. Critics argue that the lack of elections for these key positions may undermine democratic processes at the local level. However, supporters of the proposal argue that the appointments will allow for a more efficient and cohesive government structure during this period of transition.
The upcoming changes are expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in Vietnam, with the elimination of district-level units marking a historic shift in governance. The draft resolution is part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of local government and improve the responsiveness of the political system to the needs of the populace.
As Vietnam moves forward with these reforms, the implications for governance and public administration will be closely monitored. The effectiveness of the proposed appointment mechanism and its impact on local governance will be critical in determining the success of this ambitious restructuring effort.
In summary, the draft resolution represents a pivotal moment in Vietnam's governance, aiming to streamline the political apparatus while navigating the complexities of administrative reform. The coming months will be crucial as the government seeks to implement these changes and respond to public feedback.
