In an unprecedented display of public engagement, Vietnam has collected over 280 million opinions on proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution, with a near-unanimous approval rate of 99.75 percent, according to the Ministry of Justice. This massive consultation, facilitated for the first time through the VNeID digital platform, marks a significant shift in how the government gathers public input, blending technology with traditional methods to ensure transparency and inclusivity across the nation.
Historic Public Participation
The scale of feedback on the draft amendments is staggering, reflecting both the importance of the constitutional changes and the effectiveness of the outreach methods employed. The Ministry of Justice reported that comments poured in from individuals, agencies, and organizations across Vietnam, with every proposed change receiving approval rates exceeding 99 percent. This overwhelming consensus, as described by government officials, underscores a strong public endorsement of the direction in which the amendments are headed. 
At the heart of the discussions is Article 9, which pertains to the Vietnam Fatherland Front—a key political coalition representing various mass organizations—and its member groups. This article alone drew over 37.1 million comments, accounting for 13.25 percent of the total feedback. While specific details of the proposed changes to Article 9 remain limited in public disclosures, the sheer volume of input suggests it touches on critical aspects of governance and representation that resonate deeply with the populace.
Digital Innovation in Civic Engagement
A standout feature of this consultation process is the use of the VNeID app, a digital platform that has revolutionized public participation. For the first time, citizens could submit their opinions directly through the app, a move that the government credits with enhancing transparency and drastically reducing the time needed to compile feedback. Police officers in regions like Dak Lak Province have been instrumental in guiding local residents on how to use the app, ensuring even those less familiar with technology could contribute.
Beyond the digital realm, the consultation embraced a wide array of methods to reach diverse segments of society. Localities organized thousands of conferences, seminars, and forums, while some introduced innovative approaches such as online submission portals via Google Forms and email. Feedback forms were also distributed through unions, associations, and administrative centers, allowing citizens to engage in ways that suited their circumstances. Over 288,000 in-person events were held nationwide, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity across urban and rural areas alike.
Government’s Commitment to Transparency
The Vietnamese government has emphasized that the consultation process was conducted with utmost seriousness, adhering to strict guidance from competent authorities. Close coordination among Party committees, ministries, sectors, and local administrations ensured a democratic and transparent approach. Official statements highlight that this multi-pronged strategy not only broadened participation but also maintained the integrity of the feedback collection, aligning with the nation’s political principles.
While the high approval rates suggest a unified public stance, the lack of detailed breakdowns on dissenting opinions—if any—raises questions about the depth of critical engagement. The Ministry of Justice has not yet released specific data on areas of contention or alternative suggestions, which could provide a fuller picture of public sentiment. Nonetheless, the reported consensus indicates a strong alignment between the proposed amendments and public expectations, at least on the surface.
Context of the 2013 Constitution
The 2013 Constitution, which replaced the 1992 version, is a cornerstone of Vietnam’s legal and political framework, enshrining the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the principles of a socialist state. Amendments to this document are rare and carry significant weight, often reflecting shifts in policy priorities or responses to societal changes. The current round of revisions, though not fully detailed in public announcements, appears to address key governance structures, as evidenced by the focus on the Vietnam Fatherland Front in public feedback.
The Vietnam Fatherland Front plays a pivotal role in Vietnam’s political system, acting as an umbrella organization for various social and political groups. It serves as a bridge between the state and the people, channeling public opinion to policymakers while mobilizing support for national initiatives. Changes to Article 9 could potentially reshape how this body operates or interacts with its member organizations, though specifics remain under wraps pending finalization of the draft.
Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Feedback
The adoption of digital tools like VNeID represents a forward-thinking approach to governance, particularly in a country where internet penetration and smartphone usage have surged in recent years. By leveraging technology, Vietnam has managed to engage a younger, tech-savvy demographic alongside traditional constituencies. However, this shift also brings challenges, including ensuring equitable access for those in remote or underserved areas who may lack digital literacy or reliable internet connections.
Local initiatives, such as those in Dak Lak Province, highlight the government’s efforts to bridge this gap. Police officers and community leaders have taken on the role of facilitators, guiding citizens through the process of providing feedback via the app. These efforts, combined with in-person events, suggest a hybrid model that could serve as a blueprint for future consultations, balancing innovation with accessibility.
Broader Implications for Governance
The overwhelming public response to the constitutional amendments signals a populace eager to participate in shaping the nation’s future, a trend that could influence how Vietnam approaches policy-making in other areas. The success of the VNeID platform may encourage further integration of digital tools in governance, from public consultations to administrative services, aligning with broader goals of modernization and efficiency.
At the same time, the high approval rates reported by the Ministry of Justice prompt a closer examination of how feedback is interpreted and acted upon. If the amendments are finalized with minimal changes despite the vast input, questions may arise about the weight given to public opinion in the legislative process. Conversely, if the draft evolves significantly in response to the 280 million opinions, it could set a powerful precedent for participatory democracy within Vietnam’s political framework.
Regional and International Context
Vietnam’s consultation process stands out in the Southeast Asian region, where public engagement in constitutional matters varies widely. Compared to neighbors like Thailand, where constitutional amendments have often been contentious and tied to political upheavals, Vietnam’s approach appears more structured and state-driven. The use of digital platforms also contrasts with countries where such processes remain largely offline, offering a potential model for others to emulate.
Internationally, Vietnam’s emphasis on transparency and democratic participation in this context may bolster its image as a nation committed to inclusive governance, even within the confines of a single-party system. This could have implications for its diplomatic relations and domestic policy narratives, particularly as it seeks to balance economic reforms with political stability.
Looking Ahead
As Vietnam moves toward finalizing the amendments to the 2013 Constitution, the focus will likely shift from consultation to implementation. How the government incorporates the millions of opinions into the final draft remains to be seen, as does the timeline for ratification and rollout. For now, the process stands as a testament to the power of combining traditional engagement with digital innovation, setting a new benchmark for public participation in the country.
Questions linger about the specifics of the changes and their long-term impact on Vietnam’s political landscape. As the nation awaits further details, the unprecedented level of public involvement offers hope that the amendments will reflect a broad spectrum of voices, shaping a constitution that resonates with the aspirations of its people.
