Vietnam, one of the few communist countries lasting, will start to elect its officials today. During the congress eight-day meeting, Vietnam will have newly elected officials to govern the country. Some reports say tension may rise because there is an ongoing debate as to whether Vietnam will tighten its ally with the United States or will renew its ties with China.
Japan Times reported that every five years, Vietnam government officials decide whether they will preserve their attachment with China or make progress with their economics' independence. China and Vietnam are in a fight together with many other countries regarding South China Sea as they are claiming islands in the place. Tension between the two countries is increasing as Vietnam found a comfort in US as they help small countries fight for their right.
About the election process, BBC stated that 1,510 members of congress representing 63 provinces in Vietnam will have a closed meeting. The meeting cannot be covered by the media as Vietnam is strict when it comes to those things. It will end in January 28 as they will name the new general secretary, the prime minister, the president, the chairman of the National Assembly. Many other top positions will also be announced during the last day of the meeting. The general secretary is their highest leader and it is the one that will govern the country.
Though media is not allowed some leaks were spread like the current general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, 71 will probably still be the general secretary for the next coming years as no other nominees were allowed. According to Washington Post, there was a compromise that occurred during an intense debate earlier this month. Moreover, there was a rule in 2014 to ban other nominees for the general secretary position. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who was Trong's rival and was competing for his position, does not have a chance now so he is reported to be retiring.
The two leaders have opposed plans for Vietnam. Trong wants to keep China beside them while Dung wants to open Vietnam more to other countries. Future plans for Vietnam will be revealed after the closed door meeting on the 28.
