Under the Resolution No.1661/NQ-UBTVQH15 issued by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Điện Biên merged 129 commune- and ward-level units into 45 new administrative units, including 42 communes and 3 wards. To ensure effective operations in the newly formed localities, the province has carried out an urgent and synchronized preparation process to ensure a smooth and lawful implementation.

Many localities in the province have urgently conducted trial operations under the new commune-level government model. Eight communes and wards were selected for pilot implementation, including key activities such as: the first session of the communal People’s Council, the inaugural meeting of the communal People’s Committee, and trial operations of the new Public Administrative Service Centers. These pilots helped identify shortcomings, refine processes, and adjust timely before the official rollout.

Thanh Nưa commune was established by merging five former communes: Thanh Nưa, Hua Thanh, Thanh Luông, Thanh Hưng, and Thanh Chăn. After the merger, the commune spans more than 176 km² and has a population of over 29,300. The administrative headquarter is located at the former Thanh Luông commune office. On June 25, the day of its trial operation, the commune held its first People’s Council session and launched its Public Administrative Service Center.

A notable highlight of the pilot phase was the introduction of self-service kiosks, which help residents complete administrative procedures more quickly and reduce waiting times. These kiosks can recognize citizen ID cards, scan documents, print receipts, and notify users of required procedures. Direct integration with the National Public Service Portal also facilitates easier information retrieval and processing. Some administrative services such as the issuance of marriage status certificates and posthumous benefits for people with meritorious service have already been handled online and through interconnected systems.

In Na Sang commune, formed by merging Na Sang, Ma Thì Hồ, Sa Lông, and Mường Chà township, preparations for the new local government model are nearly complete. The Public Administrative Service Center is fully equipped, appropriately staffed, with publicly posted procedures, and trial operations of online and interconnected administrative processing have been carried out. Especially for interlinked procedures, the handling process has become smoother and faster compared to before. The commune’s first People’s Council session was held in accordance with regulations.

By June 30, all communes and wards across the province had completed trial operations. All activities were conducted thoroughly and smoothly. Initial infrastructure and equipment difficulties have been addressed to suit local conditions, ensuring uninterrupted service for residents.

Despite many positive results from the pilot phase, several challenges remain. Some communes and wards have yet to finalize the content for their first People’s Council sessions. In many cases, plans to establish commune-level Public Administrative Service Centers are still incomplete. Meetings of the communal People’s Committees often lack practical relevance. Some administrative procedures are still not published or posted at service points. Technology infrastructure remains inconsistent, with some equipment lacking the appropriate configuration, hampering data connectivity and sharing.

In some areas, newly assigned civil servants at the Public Administrative Service Centers are still unfamiliar with their duties and lack sufficient training, leading to confusion and coordination issues. Many experienced staff have been reassigned to other roles, resulting in personnel shortages. Additionally, local governments are still handling legacy tasks, including asset transfers and document handovers to district-level authorities, which has stretched available resources for the transition.

To address these issues, at a summary and review conference on June 26, the Standing Committee of the provincial Party Committee requested all communes and wards to reassess their infrastructure, technology, internet connectivity, and software readiness to ensure they are fully prepared for official operations from July 1. The provincial People’s Committee proposed that the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee authorize surveys and upgrades to the offices of newly merged communes, especially the Public Administrative Service Centers, to ensure adequate working conditions. It also recommended that the Standing Committee of the National Assembly considers resetting the People’s Council term count to the first term (term I) for all newly established communes and wards, regardless of whether their names have changed. Furthermore, the province has called on the government and the Ministry of Finance to provide funding for equipment upgrades and improved facilities at both provincial- and commune-level administrative service centers.

Implementing the two-tier local government model is not just an administrative restructuring, it marks a significant step toward modernizing public administration. With careful preparation, strong political determination, and public support, Điện Biên is ready to put the new model into practice, aiming to deliver better services to citizens and businesses, and to accelerate socio-economic development in the new era.