Tightened Security at Vietnam's Communist Party Congress: Phone Ban and Control Measures Enforced

The Communist Party of Vietnam has commenced its significant political congress amid stringent security protocols. Delegates participating in the week-long event in Hanoi face a prohibition on mobile phones, receiving non-internet-connected tablets instead. These measures emphasize the heightened control surrounding the proceedings, reflective of Vietnam’s already stringent regulations.

Held every five years, the Congress is among the most influential political gatherings in Vietnam, gathering approximately 1,600 delegates who represent about 5.6 million party members in a country of nearly 100 million. This assembly aims to elect pivotal party leaders and establish policies that will influence Vietnam over the coming decade.

Central to the discussions is General Secretary To Lam, who hopes to retain his role and extend his influence on the nation's trajectory. The congress will elect a new Central Committee consisting of 200 members and ratify an official resolution that delineates the party's future strategies and focal points.

Security measures have escalated significantly. Delegates have been issued Samsung tablets operational solely on a closed internal network. These devices facilitate access to official documents, yet they are disconnected from the internet and external communication.

Additionally, mobile phone networks have been disrupted around the venue, effectively blocking normal communications. Reports indicate that phone signals were jammed, rendering calls and messages impossible, with delegates prohibited from having their phones after the second day.

Delegates are required to stay in designated accommodations throughout the congress week, including those from Hanoi, ensuring a focused environment devoid of external contact.

The opening sessions transpired in a grand hall adorned with red carpets, where party leaders were seated beneath a prominent statue of Ho Chi Minh, the architect of modern Vietnam. Portraits of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin adorned the backdrop, showcasing the party’s ideological foundations.

Journalists assigned to cover the congress are subject to strict limitations, prohibited from carrying mobile phones during their reporting. While they can utilize their personal computers, they must connect solely to the official congress network. Guidelines provided to foreign media assert that journalists should not jeopardize the image or standing of Vietnam, its leaders, or its delegates.

Vietnam operates as a one-party state where the Communist Party dictates political authority and tightly regulates information distribution. The level of control exhibited at this congress appears particularly pronounced, signaling a determination to impede leaks or external influences during this sensitive period.

For the Vietnamese government, achieving stability and cohesion remains paramount. By restricting communication and mobility, party leaders intend to facilitate decision-making behind closed doors, showcasing a united front to the public. Supporters contend this approach promotes order and concentration, whereas critics argue such measures underscore the opacity of Vietnam's political landscape.

As the congress advances, its resolutions are poised to sculpt Vietnam’s leadership and policies for the long term. Although the official outcomes will eventually emerge, the procedural aspects remain heavily veiled, exemplifying the party’s robust control over power and information.