Vietnam's 2026 elections see record surge of business candidates for political roles
Vietnam's upcoming elections for the 16th National Assembly (NA) and local people's councils will see a notable rise in business candidates. A total of 153 entrepreneurs are standing, making up 3% of all hopefuls. Among them, 35 are vying for NA seats, while 118 aim for positions in provincial and district councils.
The election is scheduled for March 15, 2026, with 864 candidates competing for the NA and 4,234 for local councils nationwide.
The 35 businesspeople running for the NA include 23 men and 12 women, with an average age of 51. Their ranks feature prominent figures such as Nguyen Thanh Tung from Vietcombank, Tao Duc Thang of Viettel, and Le Hong Ha from Vietnam Airlines. Eight of these candidates come from state-owned or state-controlled enterprises, while six represent listed companies.
Beyond individual names, the group also includes chairmen, general directors, and leaders from various business associations. Duong Kim Quan, general director of Bcons Construction Investment JSC, has publicly supported the increased involvement of entrepreneurs in politics. He believes their participation will bring practical experience to policymaking and oversight. At the local level, 118 business candidates are contesting seats in people's councils across the country. Their presence is expected to influence economic discussions and regulatory decisions in the coming term.
The inclusion of 153 business candidates marks a shift in Vietnam's political landscape. Their roles in the NA and local councils could shape future economic policies and governance. The election results will determine how strongly their voices are represented in the next term.
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