National Assembly and People's Council Elections 2026: Proactively preventing fake news, ensuring safe and transparent elections
WVR - Amidst the risk of misleading and distorted information on social media, the National Election Council and relevant authorities have developed various plans to monitor and handle fake news...
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| Central Party Committee Member, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh, a member of the National Election Council, delivers the opening speech at the press conference. (Source: National Assembly) |
On the morning of March 12 in Hanoi, during a press conference on preparations for the Election Day of the 16th National Assembly and People's Council delegates for the 2026-2031 term, reporters expressed interest and posed numerous questions regarding security measures and the handling of fake and false news related to the elections.
Enhancing monitoring and timely handling of fake news in cyberspace
In response to questions from the press about handling fake and false news related to elections or defamatory information about candidates on social media, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Hung stated that the relevant authorities have proactively developed plans to detect and promptly address misleading information related to the 16th National Assembly and People's Council elections for the 2026-2031 term, especially in cyberspace.
The National Election Council has closely coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, and other relevant agencies to enhance monitoring, early detection, and timely handling of rumors, fake news, false information, and defamatory acts against candidates.
Comprehensive solutions have been implemented with three main components: enhancing monitoring in cyberspace to promptly detect fake, misleading, and distorted news related to the elections; proactively providing official, transparent, and timely information to guide public opinion; and strictly handling legal violations that exploit cyberspace to spread false information affecting the elections as per legal regulations.
“In reality, every election period often sees tactics exploiting human rights issues or distorting information about candidates to create doubt, division, and reduce voter confidence. Therefore, the relevant authorities have been proactive in identifying and implementing early preventive measures,” Nguyen Quoc Hung affirmed.
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| Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Hung answers questions from reporters of news agencies. (Photo: Quang Vinh) |
According to Nguyen Quoc Hung, the National Election Council also advises media agencies, organizations, and voters to access information from official sources, refrain from sharing or spreading unverified information, and promptly report any signs of misleading information to the relevant authorities.
Reviewing petitions and verifying candidate qualifications
Regarding the resolution of complaints and denunciations, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Petitions and Oversight Hoang Anh Cong, a member of the Subcommittee on Legal Documents and Complaint Resolution of the National Election Council, stated that during the election preparation process, the National Election Council and localities have received numerous petitions, recommendations, complaints, and denunciations, mainly related to candidates and election organization.
According to compiled data, local election committees have received 96 petitions, while the National Election Council has received 50 complaints and denunciations related to the elections.
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| A reporter asks a question at the press conference. (Photo: Quang Vinh) |
Regarding handling, Hoang Anh Cong stated that immediately after receiving them, the National Election Council, the Subcommittee on Legal Documents and Complaint Resolution, as well as the committees and subcommittees handling complaints and denunciations in localities, have coordinated with competent authorities to review, verify, and resolve them in accordance with the law on complaints and denunciations and the Law on Election of National Assembly and People's Council delegates.
“To date, through initial review and verification, no cases of National Assembly candidate violations have been found as per the complaints and denunciations, and no candidacies have been suspended.
For reports related to People's Council candidates in some localities, election authorities have also coordinated with relevant agencies to check, verify, and handle them according to their authority,” Hoang Anh Cong informed.
Additionally, according to Hoang Anh Cong, no cases have been reported through petitions that require candidacy suspension.
Regarding self-nominated candidates, Vice Chairwoman and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Ha Thi Nga stated that according to the results of the third consultation, the official list of candidates for the 16th National Assembly includes 864 people, of which 5 are self-nominated.
At this point, self-nominated candidates have completed all procedures as required by the Election Law, including submitting candidacy documents, declaring personal background, assets, and income, as well as participating in the steps of gathering opinions and trust from voters at their residence and workplace.
“The presence of self-nominated candidates for the National Assembly once again demonstrates and affirms the citizen rights enshrined in the Constitution and law, while also reflecting the democratic and open nature of the National Assembly and People's Council election process.
Self-nominated candidates are provided with all favorable conditions, ensuring equality with other candidates in participating in voter meetings, presenting action programs, and campaigning according to legal regulations,” Ha Thi Nga stated.
