Government Overview With the Declaration of Independence on September 2nd 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the first independent republic in Southeast Asia, was born. On January 6, 1946, the first universal suffrage general election was held to elect the National Assembly, the supreme organ of power of the new Vietnam. In November 1946, the National Assembly adopted the first Constitution of the Republic. The Constitution clearly pointed out that Vietnam is an indivisible and monolithic bloc; it is a democratic republic; power belongs to the whole Vietnamese people irrespective of race, gender, property, social class and religion. After the complete liberation of South Vietnam on April 30th, 1975, the second universal suffrage general elections were held to reunify the country and choose the All-Vietnam National Assembly. On July 2nd, 1976, Vietnam was renamed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. According to the Constitution, the National Assembly is the highest representative organ, the People's Supreme Authority, the legislative branch that shall be elected every five years in accordance with the principle of universal, equal, direct and secret ballot. The National Assembly's 450 members elect a Chairman and members of its Standing Committee. The full body meets at least twice a year at the convocation of its Standing Committee. The National Assembly elects the President of the State, the Prime Minister, the Chief Procurator of the Supreme People's Court and the Chief Procurator of the Supreme People's Office of Supervision and Control. The President of State serves as Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, representing Vietnam in domestic and foreign affairs. The Prime Minister heads the Cabinet that oversees the running of the Government, the executive organ. Localities elect People's Councils at different levels- province, town, city, district, ward, and commune- in accordance with universal suffrage. The People's Council elects local executive bodies and People's Committees of different levels. There are also People's Courts and People's Procuraries at provincial and district levels. Article 4 of the Constitution stipulates the leading role of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam convenes every 5 years to outline the overall direction of the country and formalize policies for the future. The National Congress elects the Central Committee, which elects the Politburo. The highest position in the Party is that of the General Secretary, who is appointed by the Politburo. The Constitution guarantees all citizens fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, assemble, demonstration, association, belief, religion and non-belief, equal rights between man and woman, the right to education and health care, the right and duty to labor, the right to build homes, and freedom to do business. The State of Vietnam has exerted efforts to improve people's living conditions. In addition to the Constitution, Vietnam has issued 90 laws and ordinances. The Legal system has been improved to ensure rights to freedom and development to every Vietnamese citizen in all civil domains, politics, economy, culture and society. Learn about Vietnam Government | Public services | History | Culture | Geography | Other resources