Politics

The politics of Vietnam takes place in a framework of a single-party socialist republic. A new state constitution was approved in April 1992, reaffirming the central role of the Communist Party of Vietnam in politics and society, and outlining government reorganisation and increased market reforms in the economy. Though Vietnam remains a one-party state, adherence to ideological orthodoxy has become less important than economic development as a national priority.

The most important powers within the Vietnamese Government - in addition to the Communist Party - are the executive agencies created by the 1992 constitution: the offices of the president and the prime minister. The Vietnamese President functions as head of state but also serves as the nominal commander of the armed forces and chairman of the Council on National Defence and Security. The Prime Minister of Vietnam heads a cabinet currently composed of three deputy prime ministers and the heads of twenty-six ministries and commissions, all confirmed by the National Assembly.

Notwithstanding the 1992 Constitution's reaffirmation of the central role of the Communist Party, the National Assembly, according to the Constitution, is the highest representative body of the people and the only organisation with legislative powers. It has a broad mandate to oversee all government functions. Once seen as little more than a rubber stamp, the National Assembly has become more vocal and assertive in exercising its authority over lawmaking, particularly in recent years. However, the National Assembly is still subject to party direction. About 80% of the deputies in the National Assembly are party members. The assembly meets twice yearly for seven to ten weeks each time; elections for members are held every five years. There is a separate judicial branch, but it is relatively weak. Overall, there are few lawyers and trial procedures are rudimentary.

The present fourteen-member Politburo, headed by the Communist Party General Secretary, determines government policy, and its eight-person Secretariat oversees day-to-day policy implementation. Although there has been some effort to discourage membership in overlapping party and state positions, this practice still continues to a certain extent. Senior Politburo members often also hold high positions in the government and the National Assembly. In addition, the Party's Central Military Commission, which is composed of select Politburo members and additional military leaders, determines military policy.

A Party Congress, meets every five years to set the direction of the party and the government. The Tenth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam opened on April 18, 2006 and concluded on April 25, 2006 was attended by 1,176 delegates.

The 160-member Central Committee, which was elected by the Party Congress, usually meets at least twice a year.

Executive Branch

The president is elected by the National Assembly from among its members for a five-year term. The prime minister is appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers are appointed by the prime minister. The Cabinet is appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister and ratification of the National Assembly.

Legislative Branch

The 11th National Assembly (Quoc Hoi) has 498 members. The 12th National Assembly, to be inaugurated in July 2007, consists of 493 members. The National Assembly is elected for five year terms. Vietnam is a single-party state, which means that only one political party, the Communist Party of Vietnam is legally allowed to hold effective power. At the last elections, 20 May 2007, only the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, a front of the Communist Party of Vietnam, mass organisations and affiliated, and some non-partisans were allowed to participate. One member was self-nominated and do not belong to the VVF. Forty-three seats were won by non-party candidates. The president is elected for a five year term by the parliament.

Military

The Vietnam People's Army is the official name for the three military services of Vietnam, which is organised on the lines of China's People's Liberation Army. The VPA is further subdivided into the Vietnamese People's Ground Forces (including Strategic Rear Forces and Border Defense Forces), the Vietnam People's Navy, the Vietnam People's Air Force and the coast guard.

Through Vietnam's recent history, the VPA has actively been involved in Vietnam's workforce to develop the economy of Vietnam, in order to coordinate national defence and the economy. The VPA is involved in such areas as industry, agriculture, forestry, fishery and telecommunications. The total strength of the VPA is close to 500,000 soldiers. The government also organises and maintains provincial militias and police forces. The role of the military in public life has steadily weakened since the 1980s.