ALLIANCE FOR VIETNAM'S DEMOCRACY

Systemic Violations in Vietnam’s Electoral Framework and Call for Accountability

To: The Permanent Missions to the United Nations

Your Excellencies,

We write to present an in-depth analytical report on systemic human rights violations within Vietnam’s electoral system. We urge you to review the enclosed findings, which demonstrate that Vietnam’s electoral processes fundamentally fail to meet international standards for free, fair, and genuine elections under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

I. Quantitative Assessment: Vietnam’s Scorecard on IPU Criteria

We assessed Vietnam’s electoral framework using the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Declaration on Criteria for Free and Fair Elections. Evaluated against its Constitution, Election Law, and the practical realities observed during the most recent elections on March 15, 2026, Vietnam scored only 189 out of 470 points (40.2%).

The system functionally scores zero in political pluralism, free candidacy, and independent oversight due to:

• Absence of Political Pluralism: Article 4 of the Constitution enforces a strict one-party monopoly, criminalizing opposition parties and independent media.

• Elimination of Independent Candidates: Self-nominated candidates are systematically disqualified through "consultative conferences" managed by the state-controlled Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF).

• Compromised Ballot Integrity: State pressure for "99% voter turnout" normalizes widespread proxy voting, stripping citizens of their right to a secret ballot.

• Lack of Independent Oversight: There is no independent electoral commission, nor are domestic or international observers permitted.

Ultimately, elections in Vietnam serve as state-managed mass mobilization exercises to legitimize a predetermined power structure, rather than genuine political competitions.

II. Structural Violations of the ICCPR and the Criminalization of Dissent

These findings underscore structural violations of ICCPR Article 25. The Vietnamese regime systematically weaponizes the Penal Code (specifically Articles 117 and 331) to eliminate political competition. Independent candidates and human rights defenders face arbitrary arrest and harsh prison sentences, already condemned by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD).

Furthermore, internal directives like the recently exposed "Directive 24-CT/TW" mandate the systemic eradication of civil society space. This environment makes the "genuine periodic elections" required by the ICCPR impossible.

III. Urgent Call to Action

Vietnam's disregard for UN Human Rights Committee and WGAD recommendations shows that "constructive dialogue" alone is insufficient. Allowing a nation to outlaw political opposition and imprison candidates without diplomatic consequence—particularly while holding a seat on the UN Human Rights Council—erodes the credibility of global human rights mechanisms.

Therefore, we respectfully urge your Mission and Government to publicly state that Vietnam's National Assembly and People’s Council election results cannot be recognized as a legitimate reflection of the people's will.

Protecting the right to political participation is at the core of the UN's mandate. We urge you to hold the Vietnamese authorities accountable to its international treaty obligations and stand with the tens of millions of citizens denied their fundamental right to self-determination.

Thank you for your time, attention to this critical dossier, and ongoing commitment to the defense of global human rights.

Sincerely,

Alliance for Vietnam's Democracy

info@endcommunism.net

3/15/2026

(Enclosure: In-Depth Analytical Report: Systemic Violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Vietnam's Elections)