The inspections took place at several polling stations in localities of Thanh An, Thanh Yên, Mường Thanh, and Điện Biên Phủ. Additionally, she evaluated the ongoing operation of the two-tier local government model in Thanh Yên commune. Accompanying the delegation were Trần Tiến Dũng, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, along with provincial leaders and heads of relevant departments.

At the various polling areas, the Deputy Prime Minister highly commended the meticulous preparation of facilities and personnel, noting that everyone appears ready for the “Great Festival of the Whole People” on March 15. She urged Polling Areas to focus on three core areas: ensuring a solemn and festive opening ceremony, managing voter schedules effectively to prevent overcrowding, and proactively supporting voters to handle any arising situations swiftly and legally.

The delegation held a working session with the leadership of Thanh Yên commune to assess the results of the two-tier local government model’s operation. According to the report from the commune Party Secretary, the transition has been handled proactively, ensuring that administrative procedures and public services remain uninterrupted. Commune officials have maintained high morale and stability throughout the shift. However, Thanh Yên also raised practical concerns, requesting funds for a centralized headquarters and a clearer set of regulations regarding staff quotas that better match their new workload.

In response to these concerns, the Deputy Prime Minister and provincial leaders discussed strategies to support the grassroots level. Trần Tiến Dũng clarified that the province has already seconded civil servants from the provincial and district levels to help communes navigate the new system. Furthermore, Điện Biên is currently identifying talented young provincial officials for potential rotation or transfer to bolster commune-level management, while simultaneously streamlining public service units and repurposing redundant headquarters.

Concluding the session, Phạm Thị Thanh Trà emphasized that Điện Biên must continue to refine its personnel structure and further decentralize power to the commune level. She stressed the importance of ensuring a high-quality election with maximum voter turnout on March 15, requiring daily reports on voter status and polling conditions.

Looking beyond the election, the Deputy Prime Minister directed the province to focus on the “Digital Literacy Campaign”, empowering the youth to lead the charge in digital transformation. She encouraged the bold move of sending provincial IT and land management experts to communes that lack these specific skills.

By upgrading IT infrastructure and fostering “digital citizens,” Điện Biên can ensure a seamless and modern administrative system. The delegation noted the local petitions and will report them to higher authorities for timely resolution.