Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, the former Standing Vice Chairman of the National AssemblyTong Thi PhongIt was emphasized that the Vietnamese National Assembly has correctly demonstrated the Party's strategic direction on the unity of ethnic groups in building the National Assembly, structuring the National Assembly's delegates, etc.

The first National Assembly had representatives from 14 ethnic groups; over 15 terms, 52 out of 54 ethnic groups have participated in the National Assembly. These representatives are the ones who participate in formulating appropriate policies for ethnic minority and mountainous regions.

Ms. Tong Thi Phong expressed her hope that the people of ethnic minorities would uphold their traditions of unity, revolution, and heroism when casting their votes in the upcoming National Assembly and People's Council elections, choosing worthy individuals to serve in the National Assembly.

"I am one of the female National Assembly delegates, and I am of the Thai ethnic group. I am very proud of my family tradition and my homeland; my husband's lineage in Ban Co, Chieng An ward, Son La province, had a patriarch named Lo Van San who was a National Assembly delegate in the first term (from 1946 to 1960)."

"He was always exemplary in fulfilling his duties as a representative, earning the trust and love of the voters. That honor always reminds our generation—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—to live and work in accordance with the law and to perform our assigned tasks well," the former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly shared.

In 1997, while serving as Secretary of the Son La Provincial Party Committee, Tong Thi Phong was nominated and elected by voters to the 10th National Assembly, and was also elected as Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly's Ethnic Council.

She stated that participating in the National Assembly allows her to cultivate knowledge, character, and abilities, enhancing her comprehensive understanding of the Constitution, laws, state apparatus organization, economy, culture, society, security, and defense, as well as deepening her understanding of foreign affairs and international law.

The former Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly shared that since joining the National Assembly, she has gradually matured in her style as a representative, being close to the people, understanding the people, learning from the people, and being responsible to the people.

General Secretary To Lam and former Standing Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong

"Now, reflecting on my more than 50 years of service and nearly 45 years as a Party member, I realize that with the Party's guidance and education, and the trust and support of the National Assembly, I have been trained in the parliamentary environment and participated in five terms of the National Assembly," the former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly said emotionally.

She expressed her honor at having served during the terms of National Assembly Chairmen Nong Duc Manh and Nguyen Van An; and as Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly during the terms of National Assembly Chairmen Nguyen Phu Trong, Nguyen Sinh Hung, and Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

"I have learned so much from my fellow National Assembly deputies from previous terms, many of whom were my teachers, mentors, and colleagues who wholeheartedly guided and helped me to rise to the top...", the former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly expressed his pride in being a National Assembly deputy and having fulfilled his assigned duties.

Always remind yourself to be humble and open to learning.

As a member of the National Assembly, Mr. Nguyen Huu Thong expressed his good fortune in inheriting an extremely valuable legacy, which isThe patriotic tradition, the spirit of serving the people, the political acumen, and the legislative wisdom of previous generations..

He also stated that young delegates are facing entirely new challenges such as digital transformation, the digital economy, and the digital society; population aging, climate change, and social inequality… These require each delegate to have long-term, sustainable policy thinking.

National Assembly representative Nguyen Huu Thong

In this context, Mr. Thong argued that young National Assembly deputies need to possess strong political acumen, steadfastly pursue the goal of national independence linked with socialism, and be loyal to the supreme interests of the Fatherland and the People.

Young National Assembly deputies must also possess professional competence and innovative thinking, dare to approach new issues, dare to debate to the end for the right policies and for the common good; and have a spirit of listening and being close to the people. Because, according to Mr. Thong, all decisions of the National Assembly are only truly valuable when they originate from life and return to serve life.

"We understand that every statement in parliament, every vote we take to pass a law, is linked to the livelihoods, beliefs, and expectations of millions of voters. This makes us constantly remind ourselves to be humble, open-minded, and to continuously learn," emphasized Representative Nguyen Huu Thong.

He added that commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first General Election is not only about honoring the past, but more importantly, about inspiring aspirations for the future.