Ambit of the practice of grassroots democracy in Vietnam

Ambit of the practice of grassroots democracy in Vietnam (Internet image) 

1. Ambit of the practice of grassroots democracy in Vietnam

- All citizens shall exercise democracy in the communes, wards, townships, villages and neighborhood groups where they reside.

- Citizens who are public officials, staff members and employees shall exercise democracy in the agencies and units where they work. In case where an entity (parent entity) has its directly controlled unit (subsidiary), the implementation of democracy in the subsidiary shall be decided by the head of the parent entity.

- Citizens who are workers shall exercise democracy at the employing entity where they are employed under employment contracts. In case an employing entity has its directly controlled unit (subsidiary), the implementation of democracy in this subsidiary shall comply with the provisions of the charter, internal rules and regulations of the employing entity and relevant laws.

(Article 4 of the Law on implementation of grassroots-level democracy 2022)

2. Principles of implementation of grassroots democracy in Vietnam

- Ensure the rights of citizens, public officials, staff members and workers or employees can be informed of, contribute their opinions to, make their decisions on, and inspect and supervise the implementation of democracy at the grassroots level.

- Ensure the leadership of the Party, the management of the State, the core role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations in the implementation of democracy at the grassroots level.

- Implement democracy at the grassroots level within the ambit of the national Constitution and laws; maintain order and discipline and avoid obstructing the normal operation of local authorities at communes and employing entities.

- Protect State interests, legitimate rights and interests of natural or legal persons.

- Ensure publicity, transparency and enhanced accountability in the process of implementing democracy at grassroots level.

- Respect public opinions, promptly address public recommendations or petitions.

(Article 3 of the Law on implementation of grassroots-level democracy 2022)

3. Entitlements of citizens to implementation of grassroots democracy in Vietnam

- Have access to disclosure and request provision of adequate, accurate and timely information in accordance with law.

- Propose initiatives, contribute opinions, discuss and decide on matters relating to implementation of democracy at the grassroots level in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other relevant laws.

- Carry out inspection and supervision relating to; file petitions, complaints, grievances and lawsuits against decisions and offences against law on the implementation of grassroots democracy in accordance with law.

- Receive recognition, respect, protection and get assured of legitimate rights and interests in the implementation of democracy at the grassroots level in accordance with the provisions of law.

(Article 5 of the Law on implementation of grassroots-level democracy 2022)

4. Obligations of citizens to implementation of grassroots democracy in Vietnam

- Comply with laws regarding implementation of grassroots democracy.

- Contribute opinions about survey questions raised at the grassroots level in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other relevant laws.

- Abide by decisions of residential community, local authorities, agencies, units and employing entities.

- Promptly file complaints, petitions and grievances to competent authorities when detecting any violation against law on implementation of democracy at the grassroots level.

- Respect and protect social order, safety, and national interests, legitimate rights and interests of natural or legal persons.

(Article 6 of the Law on implementation of grassroots-level democracy 2022)

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