The session took place following the successful election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, which truly became a nationwide festival of democracy. Voter turnout reached 99.96%, clearly demonstrating the people’s sense of responsibility, trust, and expectations toward elected bodies.

The 50 elected deputies to the 16th provincial People’s Council represent the will and aspirations of ethnic communities across the province, carrying significant responsibility in deciding key local issues. During the session, the Council elected its Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, and heads of its committees; as well as the Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, and members of the provincial People’s Committee; and People’s Court jurors at both provincial and regional levels. These positions will directly influence the effectiveness of the local government apparatus throughout the term.

Alongside leadership consolidation, the session also reflected a generational transition among elected representatives. The list of newly elected deputies ensures a balanced structure in terms of number, composition, and qualifications. Among the 50 deputies, several young faces are serving for the first time, bringing expectations for innovation in thinking and more practical approaches.

One of the youngest deputies is Lò Thị Hoa, born in 1997, of Lao ethnicity from Núa Ngam commune, who was elected to both commune and provincial level People’s Councils. Speaking on the sidelines of the session, she shared that her initial feelings were both pride and a strong sense of responsibility. “Being trusted by voters to serve at both levels is a great honor, but also a major responsibility. This is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the people’s trust. In the coming time, I will continue improving my knowledge and skills, while strengthening engagement with voters, listening to their concerns, and bringing their legitimate aspirations to the assembly, and following through until issues are resolved,” she said.

The presence of young and ethnic minority deputies is expected to bring voices that are closer to the people and more grounded in reality, especially in remote and disadvantaged areas where many issues require timely attention.

Re-elected as Chairperson of the 16th provincial People’s Council, Lê Thành Đô acknowledged that entering a new development phase, Điện Biên faces both opportunities and challenges. The province aims by 2030 to develop along green, smart, and sustainable lines, become a key tourism hub in the Northwest region, and rank among the more developed provinces in the area. Achieving these goals requires a government apparatus that is truly innovative, decisive, and effective.

The Standing Committee of the 16th provincial People’s Council has identified five key priority tasks: continuing to reform and modernize the organization and operation of the Council to enhance effectiveness; improving the quality of sessions and resolutions to ensure feasibility and practicality; and strengthening supervisory functions, moving beyond formality to focus on specific issues and real bottlenecks in order to propose timely solutions. This is considered a critical step to ensure that policies are not merely on paper but are effectively implemented in practice.

In addition, the Council emphasizes improving the quality of voter engagement, ensuring that public opinions are fully and accurately heard. The monitoring and follow-up of petitions, complaints, and denunciations must be carried out thoroughly, avoiding situations where issues are repeatedly raised but not definitively resolved.

Another new direction for this term is the promotion of science, technology, and digital transformation in the Council’s operations. This reflects a strong commitment to modernizing governance methods, aiming for a transparent, efficient administration that better serves both citizens and businesses.

The first session of the 16th provincial People’s Council has concluded with the completion of personnel arrangements. While this marks an important foundation, it is only the beginning. With determination, unity, and the active participation of the entire political system, it is expected that the new term government will bring about tangible progress in the province’s socio-economic development. Ultimately, real-world results will be the answer to the expectations voters expressed through their ballots.