The 64-year-old Can Tho City native holds a doctorate in economics and boasts a long, distinguished political career. He has been a fixture in the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam since its 10th term, initially serving as an alternate before becoming a full member for the 11th through 14th terms.

Vietnam's National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

He is also serving his second consecutive term as a member of the Politburo and has represented voters as a National Assembly delegate for the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th terms.

Before his rise to national leadership, Man held several key positions in his home region. His local leadership roles included Vice Chairman of the Can Tho Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee, and Head of the city's National Assembly Delegation.

He transitioned to a major national role in 2017 when he took over as Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front. Man subsequently moved to the legislature as Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly before first being elected to the top leadership role as Chairman in May 2024.

The first session of the 16th National Assembly of Vietnam convened on Monday morning.

This legislature serves for the 2026-2031 tenure, with the initial session focusing on consolidating state apparatus personnel and setting five-year socio-economic plans for the new term.

The session will elect Vietnam's state and government leaders in the coming days.

Key milestones following National Assembly and People’s Council elections

On March 15, 2026, voters nationwide cast their ballots to elect deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. After the vote, the National Election Council and local election committees continue key procedures to complete the electoral process in accordance with the law.

 

Digital map for 2026–2031 National Assembly and Hanoi People’s Council elections

To enhance public communication and promote digital transformation in election work, the Hanoi chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front has introduced a digital map of information on the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and the Hanoi People’s Council for the 2026–2031 term. The digital map helps expand the application of information technology and digital transformation in providing services and information to voters across the city.

 

Nationwide voting for 16th National Assembly, People’s Councils for 2026-2031 begins

According to the National Election Council, from 864 candidates, voters will elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly (1.73 candidates per seat). For provincial-level People’s Councils, voters will elect 2,552 deputies from 4,217 candidates (1.65 candidates per seat). For commune-level People’s Councils, voters will elect 72,611 deputies from 120,873 candidates (1.66 candidates per seat).

 

National Assembly election: Key milestones ahead of polling day

On March 10, authorities responsible for compiling voter lists must resolve complaints concerning additions to voter rolls, no later than five days before election day.

 

864 candidates to run for 500 seats in 16th National Assembly

The National Election Council has issued a resolution announcing a list of 864 candidates running for 500 seats in the 16th National Assembly across 182 constituencies nationwide.

 

864 candidates announced for 16th National Assembly across 182 electoral units

The National Election Council has published the official list of 864 candidates standing in 182 electoral units nationwide to elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly.