A total of 13 candidates are running for seats in the 16th National Assembly, divided into three groups, with each group holding at least 12 voter meetings. Meanwhile, 83 candidates are contesting seats in the provincial People’s Council for the same term, organized into 11 groups, each conducting at least seven meetings. The province aims to complete all voter engagement sessions ahead of schedule, ensuring that election campaigning is conducted in a democratic, transparent, fair, and lawful manner.

Recently, at a voter meeting in Tuần Giáo commune with candidates for the 16th National Assembly, many voters expressed interest in the implementation of production support projects funded by national target programs.

During the 2023-2025 period, Tuần Giáo commune implemented 30 macadamia cultivation linkage projects covering a supported area of 898.5 hectares and involving 2,229 households, with a total budget of over VND 75.36 billion. So far, more than VND 44.06 billion has been disbursed. With support in seedlings, materials, technical guidance, and market linkage orientation, the macadamia growing area in the locality has continued to expand. Currently, the commune has 2,396.3 hectares of macadamia, including 350 hectares already in harvest, producing an estimated 2,442 tons annually with a value of about VND 85 billion per year, helping raise local incomes.

At the meeting, Quàng Văn Cương, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tuần Giáo commune, proposed: “The year 2025 marks the end of the 2021-2025 phase of national target programs. Although the National Assembly and the Government have issued policies and plans for the 2026-2035 phase, detailed regulations on principles, criteria, and norms for capital allocation have yet to be issued, meaning localities have not received funding allocations. Meanwhile, the demand to continue macadamia cultivation linkage projects and expand planting areas in the coming period remains significant. Therefore, voters propose that the central government soon promulgate mechanisms and policies for allocating funds for national target programs for the 2026-2030 period, and consider providing funding for unfinished projects carried over from the 2021-2025 phase, with a total demand exceeding VND 30 billion.”

Responding to voters’ proposals, Nguyễn Văn Thắng, Minister of Finance and a candidate for the 16th National Assembly, provided updates on the implementation of national target programs in the new phase. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is currently drafting regulations on principles, criteria, and norms for allocating central budget funds for the 2026-2030 period, which is expected to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval in March 2026. Once issued, the Ministry of Finance will coordinate with other ministries and sectors to propose a capital allocation plan for localities to implement. For 2026, the Ministry of Finance has submitted a report to the National Assembly proposing the allocation of VND 35 trillion for five national target programs, including VND 25 trillion for investment capital and VND10 trillion for non-investment expenditures.

Regarding the request for additional funding for unfinished macadamia projects from the 2021-2025 phase, the minister noted that the National Assembly has allowed the disbursement period for this funding to be extended until the end of 2026 under Resolution No. 257/2025/QH15. Therefore, local authorities should promptly implement and fully disburse the allocated funds. If the funds are not fully disbursed, the remaining budget must be canceled and returned to the state budget in accordance with regulations. Tasks that continue into the 2026-2030 period will be considered for funding under the new phase of the program.

After hearing the candidate’s detailed and clear responses, voter Quàng Văn Cương said: “The candidate’s answers addressed the key issues voters are concerned about, providing local authorities and residents with more information to proactively implement production support projects in the coming time.”

Since March 1, voter meetings ahead of the election have also been taking place actively in communes and wards across Điện Biên province, featuring many frank and open discussions.

Pu Nhi commune has 32 candidates running for seats in the commune-level People’s Council across four electoral units, with 12 polling stations and more than 5,800 voters. At the meetings, many voters expressed interest in production support projects funded by national target programs, particularly the plan to convert part of the upland farming area to coffee cultivation in order to increase household income.

Responding to voters’ proposals, Đinh Quang Bạo, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Pu Nhi commune, said: “In 2026, the commune aims to plant an additional 60 hectares of coffee. However, local residents have registered demand for more than 150 hectares. Therefore, the commune is reviewing beneficiaries under each program to implement them appropriately, while also guiding households not eligible for support to develop coffee cultivation through linkage models with enterprises.”

The candid exchanges at voter meetings have helped promptly address issues of public concern while demonstrating candidates’ sense of responsibility toward voters, contributing to voters’ ability to choose representatives who truly reflect their will and aspirations.