A country that wants to develop needs to be based on a foundation of democracy, transparency and real capacity. But in Vietnam, the public apparatus is built on the opposite foundation: leaders are not elected by the people, but “appointed” by superiors.
From the General Secretary, the President, the Prime Minister to the Commune Secretary, the district chairpersons – all are “seats” appointed in the dark, without the people’s votes. And where power comes from direction rather than votes, money will become the path to get higher positions in the state and party apparatuses.
The result is a corrupt system, where power is not chosen by intelligence, capacity or prestige with the people, but by relationships–money and lineage while talented people, kind people, honest people stay aside. Those who are good at maneuvering and “going through the back door” are quickly promoted.
That is why the “administrative mergers” that are taking place nationwide are just a trick to swap seats of power, not for the benefit of the people. People have lost their voice, commune-level officials have lost their jobs, but key positions are pre-arranged to serve the faction that is manipulating the apparatus – specifically the Hung Yen faction that is gaining the upper hand before the upcoming the ruling Communist Party’s National Congress.
These are no longer isolated violations but a systemic disease – the disease of a regime that does not accept free elections, does not let the people truly be the masters. And when power does not come from the people, all reforms are just a show, all decisions are only aimed at consolidating power, not serving justice or development.
If Vietnam wants real change, the country cannot patch up the administration. It must reform the institution from the root. It must return the right to choose leaders to the people. The “appointment” mechanism in the dark must end.
Otherwise, this country will continue to be manipulated by a group of officials – not elected by the people, not for the people – but only for power, for their group and their next generation.
Do not let the “appointment” mechanism continue to push the country into a spiral of recession. Do not let the Hung Yen interest group manipulate the future of millions of Vietnamese people. Say NO to power without a vote!
—— Bao Son ——
