Communist Review - Supervising organization and cadre work is a crucial mission carried out by the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and political-social organizations to help build a pure and strong Party and political system. In the near future, the VFF and political-social organizations will strive to improve the effectiveness of this work, living up to their position and role in the revolutionary cause of the nation.

Supervision agenda

The VFF is a component of the political system tasked with building and mobilizing greater national unity; exercising democracy and strengthening social consensus; representing and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the people; performing social supervision and providing social criticism; and participating in Party and State building and people-to-people diplomacy while contributing to national construction and defense, social consensus, and the bond between the Party, State, and the people.

Adhering to President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings that "Cadres are the root of all work," the Communist Party of Vietnam has issued numerous documents guiding cadre work. Many of these documents tasked the VFF and political-social organizations with the mission to participate in supervising cadre work. Furthermore, the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat have recognized the crucial role of the VFF and political-social organizations in supervising organization and cadre work.

The Standing Board of the VFF Central Committee worked with political-social organizations to issue Program 30/CTPH-MTTW-TCTV, dated October 30, 2018, on "Coordination in social supervision and social criticism between the VFF, political-social organizations, and the people in line with the Resolution of the 7th plenum of the 12th Party Central Committee."

The coordination program defined areas where the VFF and political-social organizations would focus their supervision, such as the enforcement of Party regulations and State laws on cadre work; improvement of the quality and effectiveness of cadre work; the development of competent and credible cadres at all levels who are capable of meeting the requirements of the new period; transparency of personnel standards, procedures, and records; and information sharing and explanation upon request. The VFF and political-social organizations also supervise, verify, and recommend the handling of information from organizations, individuals, and the media on cadres and cadre work;  monitors signs of degradation in morality and lifestyle among cadres as outlined in the Resolution of the 4th plenum of the 12th Party Central Committee on strengthening Party building and rectification; and supervise compliance of standards of civil service ethic and work ethic by leaders, key officials, cadres, and Party members.

Supervision focuses on the three following areas:

First, implementation of regulations on cadre work, focusing on leadership activities. Supervision covers transparency and implementation of procedures in personnel management such as selection, arrangement, rotation, evaluation, planning, training, and appointment, as well as reward and discipline, of cadres. It also involves the settlement of complaints and denunciations regarding cadres and cadre work, and the transparency of standards, processes, procedures, and records of leaders at all levels as per regulations; information sharing and explanation when required; and the responsibility of organizations and individuals, especially leaders, in cadre work.

The content of supervision is determined based on the actual situation and practical requirements. On a regular, periodic or unscheduled basis, the VFF reports to Party committees and administrations the opinions of the public (including those of reputable individuals) on cadre work, especially on the development of key officials (heads or deputies of Party committees and administrations) at all levels.

Second, implementation of regulations on control of  power in cadre work and the prevention of bribery for promotion in accordance with the Politburo’s Decision 205-QD/TW, dated September 23, 2019. Related guidelines are specified in Circular 10/TT-MTTW-BTT issued by the VFF Standing Board. Main activities include listening to public opinion and informing Party committees and administrations of officials who are unqualified, or show signs of abusing their positions and power in cadre work or of bribing for promotion or tolerating bribery for promotion. Supervision also focuses on the enforcement of relevant authorities’ rulings regarding cadres, Party members, and cadre work, as well as on the performance of duties, tasks, and authority delegated to cadres and Party members in the development of cadres.

Third, the responsibilities of Party committees and administrations in facilitating the VFF, political-social organizations, and people to supervise cadres, Party members, and cadre work. Circular 10/TT-MTTW-BTT concentrates on supervising leadership over the implementation of some regulations of the Politburo and Secretariat(1), as well as regulations regarding the supervision of cadres, Party members, and cadre work performed by the VFF, political-social organizations, and individuals.

Notable results and shortcomings in supervision of organization and cadre work

1. Supervision of the implementation of Party regulations on cadre work: Directives on cadre work were issued in a timely fashion to ensure  strict implementation. The system of guidelines was cohesive and consistent, incorporating innovative and practical approaches associated with  democratic and transparent cadre processes. Promoted or appointed  officials have fulfilled their assigned tasks and have been supported by colleagues, Party members, and the people. Together with the Party Central Committee's regulations on organization and cadre work, local authorities have developed plans to build a contingent of competent and credible cadres through 2030 and beyond. Party committees at all levels have issued directives, regulations, and annual plans to ensure timely and thorough implementation of the Party Central Committee's regulations on cadres, Party members, and cadre work involving the role of the VFF(2).

2. Supervision on the implementation of regulations on the recruitment of civil servants, officials, and contract employees under Decree 68/2000/ND-CP:

Supervision review indicated that recruitment was basically consistent with the 2008 Law on Cadres and Civil Servants, the 2010 Law on Public Employees, the Government’s decrees regulating the recruitment, utilization, and management of cadres and civil servants, and policies on  attracting outstanding graduates and young scientists. The recruitment of civil servants and officials through examination and selection basically followed standards and procedures. The selection of civil servants strictly adhered to standards and processes, with attention paid to priority groups such as policy beneficiaries, poor households, women, and young people with outstanding academic records. Civil servants’ qualifications matched the prescribed job positions in line with the goal of building a contingent of young, competent civil servants and officials meeting the requirements of the new situation.

3. Enforcement of regulations on the appointment of officials:

Supervision  results for 2020 showed that provincial agencies appointed 4,581 individuals to managerial positions. 3,086 of them were appointed for the first time and the remainder were reappointed. District-level agencies made 13,381 appointments and reappointments. Commune-level agencies appointed 6,797 individuals. The appointment of officials at the local level was generally conducted in line with regulations, and in a democratic, transparent, strict, and careful manner, helping to minimize the possibility of bribery for promotion. The Politburo’s regulations on the decentralization of the management and appointment of officials were resolutely followed and each candidate was thoroughly reviewed before being appointed.

During the supervision process, when potential irregularities were detected, the Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels immediately sought explanation from local Party committees and administrations(3) and made recommendations for remediation if necessary. If potential violations of appointment regulations were detected, the Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels promptly requested that local Party committees inspect  and handle accordingly(4).

4. Rotation of officials:

The rotation of officials aligned with procedures and processes and contributed to the implementation of the Law on Anti-Corruption. Rotation has created the opportunity for many officials and civil servants to acquire experience and improve their fortitude, capacity, qualifications, and adaptability. Many civil servants have expressed their willingness to take on the new assignments. Rotation has contributed to minimizing the abuse of power and negativity.

5. The declaration and public disclosure of assets by cadres, officials, civil servants, and public employees of Party committees, Party organizations, administrations, and state administrative agencies at all levels:

Incomplete statistics from localities in 2020 showed that 447,910 individuals at the provincial level were obligated to declare assets and income for the first time. 447,579 of them (99,9%) completed their  declarations. At the district level, the figures were 182,795 and 181,478 (99.3%) respectively.

Regulations on public disclosure of asset declarations at the workplace or at meetings, record-keeping, the listing of declarants, and the handover of asset declarations, among other provisions, have been fully complied with. The results of asset and income control activities were reported to competent authorities as required.

6. Candidates running for National Assembly and People's Council elections at all levels:

One of the top criteria listed is that the candidates must be a role model in complying with the law and resolutely fighting any manifestations of bureaucracy, corruption, imperiousness, and law violations. The consultation process to introduce and select candidates has been strictly adhered to by the VFF at all levels, ensuring the correct structure, composition, and quantity. Candidates exhibiting signs of corruption or dishonesty in asset declarations or violations of election laws or of receiving a low confidence vote in their place of residence were dismissed(5). The VFF has diligently fulfilled its supervisory role, contributing to ensuring that the elections were democratic and the right candidates were selected. 

7. The selection and appointment of judges and prosecutors:

Every year, representatives of the VFF Standing Board (as members of the Supreme People's Procuracy’s Selection Council) evaluate, appraise, and give opinions on individuals to be appointed as prosecutors of the Supreme People's Procuracy(6). Representatives of the VFF Standing Board, as members of the Council for the examination of senior, mid-level, and basic prosecutors, give opinions on the lists of candidates subject to the examination of prosecutors and of candidates to be appointed prosecutors at all levels.

The VFF’s participation in the selection process has helped State agencies recruit competent judges and prosecutors who meet the requirements of the judicial sector in the new period(7).

The supervision of organization and cadre work performed by the VFF and political-social organizations, especially since the introduction of the Politburo’s regulations on social supervision and criticism, has yielded significant results in multiple aspects, contributing to improving awareness  of the VFF’s supervision role. Supervision of organization and cadre work is closely watched and strongly supported by the people and the mass media.

Solutions to promoting the role of the VFF and political - social organizations in supervising organization and cadre work 

First, the leadership of Party committees needs to be strengthened to uphold the supervisory role of the VFF and political-social organizations. The VFF should soon finalize a project to be submitted to the Secretariat for the issuance of a directive on enhancing the Party's leadership over social supervision and social criticism by the VFF and political-social organizations. This important document will guide the efforts of Party committees to improve supervisory activities in general and the supervision of organization and cadre work undertaken by the VFF and political-social organizations in particular.

Second, the VFF and political-social organizations should proactively study Party documents and State regulations to propose amendments and supplements to complete the supervision mechanism in the new situation. Supervising organization and cadre work is a challenging mission which requires comprehensive, specific, and clear regulations on related issues. This legal foundation is crucial for the VFF and political-social organizations to conduct their supervision activities and for agencies and organizations, especially those under supervision, to improve their performance.

Third, it is necessary to strengthen coordination between the VFF and its member organizations, as well as with other agencies and organizations, in supervising organization and cadre work.

Fourth, the supervision of organization and cadre work as well as of cadres and Party members needs to be conducted regularly, with periodic reviews, to draw lessons and ensure that the supervision content is accurate, focused, and appropriate to the actual conditions of the VFF and political-social organizations.

Fifth, to secure effective supervision of cadre work, the VFF and political-social organizations need to attract moral, talented, and courageous individuals, who dare to say, to act, and to bear responsibility while executing their duties. It is crucial to improve the qualifications of VFF leaders at all levels and to roll out policies on attracting, training, developing, and promoting competent personnel for supervisory work. Other measures include rallying and making full use of member organizations and outstanding individuals, intellectuals, scientists, and advisory councils in supervisory activities.

It is important to promote the sharing of supervision experiences with localities and strengthen communication on Party regulations and State laws on the supervisory role of the VFF and political-social organizations. VFF personnel at the grassroots level should be well-equipped with knowledge of policies and laws to effectively carry out their supervision activities.

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(1) Regulation on social supervision and criticism of the VFF and political-social organizations (in association with the Politburo’s Decision 217-QD/TW, dated December 12, 2013) and Regulation on the participation of the VFF, political-social organizations, and the people in providing feedback on Party and administration building (in association with the Politburo’s Decision 218-QD/TW, dated December 12, 2013); supervision of the implementation of the Secretariat’s Decision 99-QD/TW, dated October 3, 2017, on "Issuing the framework guidelines for Party committees and  organizations under the Party Central Committee to continue promoting the role of the people in preventing and pushing back internal degradation, self-evolution, and self-transformation"; supervision of the implementation of the Secretariat’s Regulation 124-QD/TW, dated February 2, 2018, on "The supervision of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political-social organizations, and the people on the morality and lifestyle of leaders, key officials, and Party members.”

(2) The Secretariat’s Decision 99-QD/TW, dated October 3, 2017, on "Issuing the framework guidelines for Party committees and  organizations under the Party Central Committee to continue promoting the role of the people in preventing and pushing back internal degradation, self-evolution, and self-transformation"; the Secretariat’s Regulation 101-QD/TW, dated June 7, 2012, on "The responsibility of setting an example for cadres, Party members, especially key leaders at all levels"; the Secretariat’s Regulation 124-QD/TW, dated February 2, 2018, on "The supervision of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political-social organizations, and the people on the morality and lifestyle of leaders, key officials, and Party members”;  the Politburo’s Regulation 205-QD/TW, dated September 23, 2019, on "Power control in cadre work and the fight against bribery for promotion"; the Politburo’s Regulation 213-QD/TW, dated January 2, 2020, on “The responsibility of Party members for keeping regular contact with Party organizations and people in their places of residence;"

(3) The Standing Boards of the Party Committees Yen Bai, Lang Son, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Quang Ngai, Binh Thuan, and Bac Kan provinces are requested to provide additional information regarding professional and political qualifications, the list of recruited public officials, and the list of appointed officials, among others

(4) The Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee issued document 3237/MTTW-BTT, requesting the Lao Cai provincial Party Committee to report on the process and procedures on the appointment of Dam Quang Vinh, along with the verification and handling of information provided by the Labor newspaper. In its reply report dated  December 7, 2021, the Lao Cai provincial Party Committee proposed that the Secretariat discipline Dam Quang Vinh, Chief Inspector of Lao Cai province. On November 25, 2021, the Lao Cai provincial People's Committee issued Decision 4135/QD-UBND on the dismissal of Dam Quang Vinh

(5) During the National Assembly and People's Council elections for the  2016-2021 term, the Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels removed 150 candidates for the National Assembly and 63,607 candidates for People's Councils for corruption or violations of policies, laws, and ethical and lifestyle norms, or failing to win the trust of voters at their workplace or place of residence (Report 259/BC-MTTW, dated July 8, 2016, by the Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, regarding the VFF’s participation in election activities.)

The Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee  established nine delegations to supervise the elections in 22 provinces and centrally-run cities. Provincial VFFs helped organize 480 delegations to supervise the elections and participated in monitoring the work of 850 election delegations. District-level VFFs helped organize 2,764 delegations and participated in the supervision of 4,269 election delegations. Communal VFFs helped organize 18,490 delegations and participated in the supervision of 23,696 election delegations

(6) In 2020, representatives of the Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, as members of the Selection Council for Prosecutors of the Supreme People's Procuracy, gave opinions on the proposed appointment of eight prosecutors at the Supreme People's Procuracy and on 1,561 applications for the examination of prosecutors at  people's procuracies

(7) In 2020, representatives of the Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, as a member of the Selection and Supervision Council for National Judges, gave opinions on the proposed appointment, reappointment, dismissal, and removal of 729 judges at  people's courts at all levels

This article was published in the Communist Review No. 1011 (April 2023)