In the coming days, Vietnam’s Communist Party Congress will focus on significant changes within the leadership structure. Approximately 1,600 delegates are set to convene to discuss and approve policy documents that will guide the nation for the next five years. Additionally, they will elect a new Central Committee comprising around 200 members.
Leadership Selection Process
The process of selecting the Party’s top leadership is systematic and tightly controlled. From the newly elected Central Committee, 17 to 19 members will be chosen to form the Politburo, the highest decision-making body within the Communist Party. The selection of candidates is pre-determined by the Party, ensuring no electoral competition arises. As a result, approval rates within the Congress are commonly near-unanimous.
Role of Public Participation
The general public in Vietnam has no direct influence in the election of national leaders. This limitation raises questions about democratic engagement within the nation. The final outcomes of the Congress will be disclosed on January 25, during which the new general secretary will deliver a closing speech.
New Leadership Announcement
On August 3, 2024, To Lam was elected as the general secretary by the Central Committee. He succeeded Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away in July 2024. Currently, To Lam oversees the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat. He also serves as the Secretary of the Central Military Commission and chairs the anti-corruption committee.
To Lam’s Vision for Vietnam
Under Vietnam’s Constitution, the general secretary holds leadership roles both in the Party and the state. To Lam, with a background as an ex-police officer in the public security ministry, positions himself as a reformer. He ambitiously aims to reimagine Vietnam as an upper-income, knowledge- and technology-driven economy by 2045.
- Focus on sharp economic growth.
- Administrative reforms initiated under his leadership.
- Encouragement of private-sector expansion.
Since his appointment, To Lam has intensified the centralization of power and expanded the police ministry’s authority, a reflection of his past leadership experience. His plans signify a pivotal shift in Vietnam’s political and economic landscape as the nation prepares for the future.
