Brazilian-born Do Hoang Hen voted at polling station No. 22 in Tu Liem Ward, Hanoi, at around 7 a.m., saying he was excited to vote for the first time as a Vietnamese citizen.

Vietnamese-Brazilian naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son casts his ballot for Vietnam's National Assembly and People's Councils election in Nam Dinh Ward, Ninh Binh Province, on March 15, 2026.

"I feel comfortable and receive enthusiastic support from everyone. I understand the importance of this responsibility," he said.

Born Hendrio Araujo da Silva in Brazil, Hen joined Binh Dinh in January 2021 and later moved to Nam Dinh before signing with Hanoi FC, where he is under contract until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

He obtained Vietnamese citizenship on Oct. 17, 2025 after meeting the five-year residency requirement. The attacking midfielder is currently Hanoi FC's top scorer in the 2025–2026 V-League season with six goals and four assists.

Striker Nguyen Xuan Son, whose Brazilian name is Rafaelson, also voted in Ninh Binh Province on Sunday afternoon.

The 1997-born player received Vietnamese citizenship in September 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the V-League's top forwards. He scored a record 31 goals in the 2023-2024 season and netted seven goals to finish as the top scorer at the ASEAN Cup 2024, where Vietnam won the title.

Three other naturalized players, Da Nang FC's Brazilian-born center-back Do Phi Long, PVF-CAND's Nigerian-born striker Hoang Vu Samson, and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City' midfielder Tran Trung Hieu from Uganda.

Long voted for the first time, while Samson and Trung Hieu became Vietnamese citizens in 2013 and 2017 respectively.

Several overseas Vietnamese players who recently obtained citizenship also voted for the first time, including goalkeeper Nguyen Filip of Czech descent, defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh (France), Le Giang Patrik (Slovakia), Le Viktor (Russia), Tran Thanh Trung (Bulgaria), and Nguyen Vadim (Russia).

After voting in Van Giang Ward in Hung Yen Province, Filip said he felt proud to participate in the process.

"I hope the elected representatives will stay close to the people," the 1992-born goalkeeper said.

About 79 million voters nationwide are eligible to elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly as well as representatives to provincial and commune-level People’s Councils. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

According to the National Election Council, results are expected to be announced on March 24 after vote counting is completed. The first session of the 16th National Assembly is scheduled to open on April 6.

Bac Ninh well prepares for 2026 election

BAC NINH - Voters across Vietnam will go to the polls on March 15 to elect deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. In Bac Ninh Province, preparations for the election are being carried out urgently and in accordance with regulations, with most tasks already completed and localities ready for the nationwide voting day. 

Upcoming general election sparks expectations for new development phase

The upcoming election is an important step in consolidating leadership structures as Vietnam prepares for a new stage of development, said Quynh Iris Nguyen–de Prelle, founder and director of the Intercultural Vietnam–Pacific Centre (IVB) in Belgium.

 

Final preparations underway for Election Day

In Hanoi, local authorities have increased the dissemination of election-related information through community loudspeaker systems, information boards, official websites and verified social media pages, helping officials, Party members and residents better understand their rights and responsibilities as voters.

 

Digital infrastructure lays foundation for transparent, accurate elections

From voter data management and candidate registration to public communications and information disclosure, digital platforms are being applied across key stages of election preparation.

 

National Assembly election: Key milestones ahead of polling day

On March 10, authorities responsible for compiling voter lists must resolve complaints concerning additions to voter rolls, no later than five days before election day.

 

General election preparations: 3,320 communes, wards apply voter-list software

Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh said the Government and the Prime Minister have directed the synchronous and timely implementation of assigned tasks, while issuing a full legal framework to ensure uniform election organisation nationwide.