After the administrative merger, the number of communes and wards in Điện Biên province was reduced to 45, leading to increases in area size, population, and diversity within each new administrative unit. At the same time, this created certain challenges in reaching and understanding the thoughts and aspirations of residents, particularly in remote and mountainous areas.

To address these challenges, many localities have flexibly adjusted the way voter meetings are organized. Instead of being spread out and formalistic, communes and wards divide residential clusters according to geographical characteristics, prioritizing substance over formality. Meeting schedules are announced early, widely publicized, and arranged flexibly in terms of timing so residents can easily participate. The content focuses on practical issues such as land use, site clearance, social security, production support, and ethnic policy.

The voter meeting prior to the second session of the People’s Council of Mường Thanh ward, Term I (2021-2026), attracted a large number of voters, not only because of the expanded scale but also because of high expectations for the new government model, where functions and duties are no longer overlapping but are more clearly delegated and effectively decentralized. Voters expect the government to be closer to the people, more engaged, and more decisive in addressing pressing issues from reality.

Voter Nguyễn Văn Nam from Mường Thanh ward raised concerns about the widespread problem of discarded pesticide bottles and packaging being left carelessly in fields, causing environmental pollution and directly affecting the quality of water sources for both production and daily life. Although collection bins for pesticide packaging have been installed in some areas, their operation and management remain limited and have not been as effective as expected.

“We have raised this issue many times in previous voter meetings, but it has yet to be thoroughly resolved,” expressed Mr. Nam. He emphasized his expectation that the ongoing two-tier government model would ensure closer coordination and stronger direction to thoroughly address this problem, offering fundamental and long-term solutions that not only protect the environment but also raise community awareness about safe and sustainable agricultural practices.

Following the voter meeting, Mường Thanh ward authorities responded promptly, showing an open and responsible attitude in addressing citizens’ concerns. The ward’s People’s Committee instructed relevant departments to review all pesticide packaging collection points in the locality, especially in concentrated farming areas. They also stepped up inspection and supervision of agricultural waste collection and treatment, requiring grassroots officials to coordinate closely with neighborhood groups and socio-political organizations to carry out public awareness campaigns, encouraging people to use pesticides properly and to refrain from discarding bottles and packaging carelessly in the fields.

Not only in Mường Thanh ward but also in many other communes and wards, the work of meeting voters and resolving their petitions has been actively and effectively carried out through the coordination of People’s Council deputies, local authorities, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF). Through these meetings, the spirit of “listening to the people, explaining to the people, and earning the people’s trust” is clearly demonstrated through direct dialogue and immediate responses in the meeting hall, without avoidance or shifting responsibility. All petitions are recorded, classified according to jurisdiction, and assigned specific timelines for resolution. The authorities and People’s Council deputies commit to publicizing the results, ensuring transparency in receiving and handling citizens’ feedback.

One notable change after the administrative merger is the heightened sense of civic responsibility among residents. Whereas in the past many voters were reluctant to speak up, now more and more people are willing to directly question unresolved issues. The atmosphere of voter meetings has become more democratic, open, candid, and responsible.

At the same time, information technology is being flexibly applied in voter engagement activities. Residents unable to attend in person can send petitions via email, the online portal, or directly contact the deputies’ groups. This is an appropriate approach in the context of ongoing organizational restructuring, both cost-saving and improving governance efficiency.

The active participation of the VFF and socio-political organizations is also a key factor in renewing voter engagement. According to Mr. Lò Văn Biển, Chairman of the VFF Committee of Mường Nhà commune, the VFF plays a vital role in voter engagement. It not only coordinates voter meetings according to proper procedures and schedules but also proactively grasps public sentiment and aspirations at the grassroots level. This serves as a bridge between voters and elected representatives, helping to truthfully and promptly reflect pressing local issues. Importantly, after each meeting, the VFF monitors and supervises the process of addressing voters’ petitions to ensure that citizens’ legitimate interests are heard and resolved within the proper authority.

However, some difficulties remain in implementing voter engagement under the two-tier government model. Due to large geographical areas, dense populations, and a high number of voters, organizing large-scale meetings can lead to content overload and limit the time available for in-depth listening and discussion. Sometimes the process of compiling petitions results in duplication or lacks clarity in identifying responsible agencies. Some voters are still unfamiliar with the new engagement methods.

To further improve the quality of voter engagement activities, commune and ward People’s Councils are determined to continue innovating formats and diversifying channels for receiving petitions. They also aim to enhance the quality of compiling, classifying, tracking, and urging the resolution of issues raised in voter meetings, ensuring that every opinion is carefully considered and appropriately addressed. In addition, training and skill development for People’s Council deputies in citizen engagement and dialogue will be strengthened, along with closer coordination between local authorities, the VFF, and grassroots organizations to expand effective and sustainable channels for listening to the people.

Renewing voter engagement not only helps improve institutions and enhance governance effectiveness but, more importantly, it strengthens public trust, builds national unity, and lays the foundation for sustainable development. When citizens are heard, respected, and involved in building and supervising government activities, it significantly contributes to creating a government that serves, stays close to, and works for the people.