Vietnam’s To Lam edges closer to new leadership term, as decisive congress is cut short
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Vietnam’s top leader To Lam addressing delegates at the Communist Party congress in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Jan 20.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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HANOI – Vietnam’s Communist Party shortened the planned voting process to select its general secretary, indicating there was broad consensus to reappoint of current leader To Lam as soon as Jan 23.
Nearly 1,600 delegates elected, on Jan 22, 200 members of the party’s central committee, which will then choose the party chief and up to 17 to 19 members of the Politburo from a pre-arranged shortlist.
Incumbent Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Luong Cuong were not among the newly elected committee members, according to the official list, making it unlikely that they will retain their leadership roles.
The congress of the ruling Communist Party, held once every five years to select leaders and set political and economic priorities, was initially planned to last until Jan 25. Delegates voted on Jan 21, however, to wrap up the meeting as early as Jan 23, the government said on its news portal.
No official explanation was provided, but the shortened schedule likely indicates no divisions have emerged within the party about leadership positions and a probable smooth reappointment of Mr Lam, who is seeking to extend his tenure as general secretary, Vietnam’s most powerful post.
Some congresses in the past required longer debates to decide leadership positions, warranting the initial week-long schedule for 2026’s congress.
The final vote to select the general secretary is expected on Jan 23 when the new central committee holds its first meeting. REUTERS
