Vietnam's remote voters brave challenges in early 2026 national election
Early voting for Vietnam's 16th National Assembly and People's Councils began on March 8, 2026, a full week before the official election day. Remote and hard-to-reach communities, including island residents and soldiers, cast their ballots under challenging conditions to ensure participation.
In the Trường Sa Special Administrative Zone, 20 of the 22 polling stations opened ahead of schedule on March 8. Only two—station No. 14 at Trường Sa Island Hall and station No. 1 at the 146th Brigade Hall—waited until the national election day of March 15. Voting took place on islands such as Sinh Tồn (Sin Cowe), Đá Tây (West Reef), Sơn Ca (Sand Cay), and within Brigade 146's facilities.
Meanwhile, in central Quảng Trị Province, Trường Sơn Commune set up three early polling stations in Dốc Mây, Hôi Rấy, and Nước Đắng villages. Reaching these locations proved difficult, with Dốc Mây's forest road offering limited access and Hôi Rấy and Nước Đắng only reachable by motorboat across strong river rapids. Despite these obstacles, authorities ensured voters—including officers, fishermen, and island residents—could participate.
Further south, the Thổ Châu Special Administrative Zone in An Giang Province also held early voting. With 2,182 registered voters, the area relied on coordinated efforts to overcome access challenges and provide necessary conditions for the process.
The early voting phase concluded successfully, allowing remote communities to fulfil their civic duty before the national election. Polling stations in difficult-to-reach areas, from island outposts to river-bound villages, ensured all eligible voters had the chance to cast their ballots.
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