Millions in Vietnam to vote for a new legislature in general election

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Voters in Vietnam cast their ballots to select a new National Assembly on Sunday, two months after the ruling Communist Party reelected leader To Lam to the country’s top political post.

Nearly 79 million voters across the country are eligible to pick 500 representatives from 864 candidates to the rubber-stamp National Assembly. All candidates are vetted and pre-approved by the Communist Party, ensuring the assembly remains aligned with the party’s political direction.

The Communist Party tightly controls political activity, arguing that centralized leadership allows the country to pursue longterm development goals without disruptions.

The new National Assembly is expected to implement the policy agenda shaped at the congress, prioritizing sustained economic growth and political stability.

The election follows the Communist Party’s national congress in January, a political event held every five years that sets the country’s leadership lineup and policy priorities. At the congress, Lam was reelected as general secretary, the most powerful position in the political system.

“We have the people’s support in this election,” Lam said after casting his ballot in Hanoi, describing the vote as a national celebration where citizens choose representatives to guide development and safeguard the country’s sovereignty and stability.

Vietnam’s economy has expanded rapidly over the past decade, driven by manufacturing exports, foreign investment and its growing role in global supply chains. The country has positioned itself as an alternative production hub as companies diversify away from China, attracting major electronics and textile manufacturers.

It has now set an ambitious target of 10% or higher annual economic growth over the next five years, placing the private sector at the center of its development strategy in a notable shift for the communist state. Policymakers are now recalibrating the country's economy to push it toward higher-value industries, modernized production and wider use of science, technology and digital tools.

Vietnam’s leadership also faces challenges as the country’s export-driven economy grapples with uncertainty from rising trade tensions, including tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Voter turnout in Vietnam’s elections is typically high, often exceeding 90%, with polling stations set up in cities, rural communities and remote regions to encourage participation.

“As a voter in this election, I believe I will be able to choose candidates with morals, dedication and competence to serve the country, bringing development and prosperity to our country and our people,” said retired official Doan Thi Bich.

The incoming National Assembly is expected to convene its first meeting in April to formally approve key government appointments and begin implementing the policy roadmap laid out at the party congress.

Voters check profiles of candidates before casting ballots to elect representatives in the National Assembly and people's councils in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Huy Han)

Voters check profiles of candidates before casting ballots to elect representatives in the National Assembly and people's councils in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Voters wait to cast ballots to elect representatives in the National Assembly and people's councils in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Voters cast ballots to elect representatives in the National Assembly and people's councils in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Voters cast ballots to elect representatives in the National Assembly and people's councils in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Pavel Dorofeyev recorded two goals and an assist for the second straight game and Adin Hill had his first shutout in a year as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0 on Saturday night.

The victory put the Golden Knights back into first place in the Pacific Division with 76 points, one ahead of Anaheim, which lost 2-0 at Ottawa on Saturday.

Rasmus Andersson and Keegan Kolesar also scored goals for the Golden Knights, and Mark Stone and Mitch Marner each had two assists. Jack Eichel, playing in his 300th Golden Knights game, had his three-game goal streak end.

Spencer Knights made 28 saves for the Blackhawks.

Two of Dorofeyev's goals came on power plays against the NHL's top penalty kill unit — his team-record 17th and 18th goals this season with the man advantage.

Hill made 21 saves for his first shutout since a 4-0 victory over Columbus on March 13, 2025.

His shutout nearly ended less than a minute into the third period when Chicago defenseman Artyom Levshunov hit the back of the net from the right point. Vegas successfully challenged that Ryan Greene executed a hand pass.

Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl also saved a goal in the second period, knocking away Greene's shot with Hill caught out of the net.

The Golden Knights took control with three goals within 3 1/2 minutes of each other in the first period of what became a chippy game between the clubs. Vegas' Jeremy Lauzon and Chicago's Ethan Del Mastro were ejected in the third period after receiving roughing and misconduct penalties.

This was referee Wes McCauley's 1,500th game. He was honored during a stoppage in the first, and Golden Knights players shook his hand after the game.

Blackhawks: Host Minnesota on Tuesday night.

Golden Knights: Host Buffalo on Tuesday night.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) skates against Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) fights with Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Kaedan Korczak (6) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar (55) faces fans after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev, right, celebrates with right wing Mitch Marner (93) after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) looks on at left. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)