Vietnam Seeks Deeper Citizen Input in Policy Making

Vietnam is witnessing unprecedented convenience and scale in collecting public opinion on draft laws, plans, and policies, thanks to advancements in science and technology and widespread internet access. Citizens can now contribute their views through various channels, including direct meetings, VNeID app, government portals, and the National Assembly's e-portal. The National Assembly Standing Committee has directed urgent public consultation via VNeID and other platforms for major draft laws like the revised Land Law and Penal Code, signaling a significant shift towards digital policy consultation. However, behind these technological and formal conveniences, concerns linger about the clarity of how public opinions are received, considered, and ultimately translated into policy changes. A process that merely involves publicizing drafts and collecting opinions risks creating a "trust gap." Experts emphasize that for opinion collection to be meaningful, it must go beyond simple yes/no questions. It requires presenting multiple policy options with their potential impacts, pros and cons, costs, and expected outcomes clearly, enabling citizens to make informed comparisons. For urban development plans and land law revisions, actively listening to communities directly affected by land clearance, flood control, and livelihoods is crucial. Furthermore, the process of incorporating and explaining public feedback is paramount. Beyond summarizing and publishing opinions, direct dialogues are essential for clarifying contentious issues. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man has stressed the importance of moving "from listening to the people, to understanding the people, resolving the people's issues, and from the people's issues, we amend policies." An ideal policy consultation process should follow a seven-step sequential flow: problem identification, comprehensive information provision, opinion collection, discussion of options, draft amendment, feedback incorporation and explanation, and public announcement of results.