This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6673459.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Vietnam votes for fresh assembly Vietnam votes for fresh assembly
(about 7 hours later)
Vietnam is voting for new members to the National Assembly in an election unlikely to have much effect on the Communist government's policies. Vietnam has been voting for new members to the National Assembly in an election unlikely to have much effect on the Communist government's policies.
The vast majority of the candidates are Communist Party members and the rest have been screened by the authorities.The vast majority of the candidates are Communist Party members and the rest have been screened by the authorities.
The Communists are the only organised party taking part in the elections.The Communists are the only organised party taking part in the elections.
Although the Communists hold true power, our correspondent says the assembly has shown some independence in investigating laws and ministers.Although the Communists hold true power, our correspondent says the assembly has shown some independence in investigating laws and ministers.
More than 500 new deputies are being chosen from a field of almost 900 candidates, only 150 of whom are not ruling party members. More than 500 new deputies were being chosen from a field of almost 900 candidates, only 150 of whom were not ruling party members.
Communist Party head Nong Duc Manh voted early. It is compulsory for the 50m-strong electorate to cast their ballots.Communist Party head Nong Duc Manh voted early. It is compulsory for the 50m-strong electorate to cast their ballots.
The 50m-strong electorate is obliged to turn outThe 50m-strong electorate is obliged to turn out
The legislative assembly has made a priority of cracking down on corruption.The legislative assembly has made a priority of cracking down on corruption.
Its members have aggressively questioned government ministers and have scrutinised draft legislation prepared by government agencies.Its members have aggressively questioned government ministers and have scrutinised draft legislation prepared by government agencies.
The BBC's Bill Hayton says political reform in Vietnam, though slow, is likely to continue as long as it does not challenge the Communist Party.The BBC's Bill Hayton says political reform in Vietnam, though slow, is likely to continue as long as it does not challenge the Communist Party.
Streets in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, have been decked with campaign banners reminding the electorate of their duty to vote and exhorting them to pick candidates on the basis of their ethical qualities. Streets in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, were decked with campaign banners reminding the electorate of their duty to vote and exhorting them to pick candidates on the basis of their ethical qualities.
Results are expected to be announced in about 10 days' time.Results are expected to be announced in about 10 days' time.