The 13th Central Committee has finalized and approved a personnel list to present at the 14th Congress for consideration and election in accordance with party regulations.

In preparation for this process, the current Central Committee has deliberated extensively and reached consensus on key principles for shaping the leadership of the upcoming term. These principles include specific guidelines on viewpoints, requirements, principles, standards, qualifications, composition, numbers, and procedures.

Among the core foundations for this selection is Regulation 365/2025 issued by the Politburo. This document lays out comprehensive criteria for officials under the purview of the Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat, as well as a framework for leadership and management roles.

According to the regulation, six general standards apply to leaders at all levels: political and ideological alignment; moral integrity, lifestyle, and discipline; qualifications and competence; reputation and ability to unite others; work results; and physical health, age, and relevant experience.

Members of the Central Committee must be exemplary figures in the Party, demonstrating strong political resolve, ethical conduct, exemplary behavior, initiative, discipline, humanity, capacity, and credibility.

They must have undergone comprehensive training, be well-rounded in knowledge, and possess experience tested through practical challenges. They are expected to have strategic vision, reform-minded thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility. Their participation in discussions and contributions to policymaking and collective leadership is essential.

Additionally, they must have a proven track record, with clear accomplishments in their respective roles. They should demonstrate the ability to unify, rally collective strength, and successfully implement Party policies and national strategies in their assigned areas.

They must also be able to respond effectively to sudden or complex situations, work independently, and show strategic leadership capacity and reformist ambition. A firm stance against corruption, waste, negativity, bureaucracy, and vested interests is crucial.

Candidates must have successfully held and performed in key leadership positions one level below their proposed appointment.

Alternate Members of the Central Committee are typically younger officials who meet most of the criteria for full membership. They must be decisive, effective in their roles, and well-informed about national and global issues. They are expected to contribute meaningfully to Central Committee discussions and policymaking.

These individuals must demonstrate leadership potential and competence in past positions, with the ability to take on Central Committee-level responsibilities as needed.

Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Central Committee.

Members of the Politburo and the Secretariat must fully meet the requirements of Central Committee members, with added expectations. They must be exemplary in all aspects - political courage, morality, intellect, leadership, discipline - and be immune to outside pressure or group interests.

These leaders must be decisive, effective, and knowledgeable about domestic and global affairs. They should have a sharp political mind, economic insight, and deep understanding of social, defense, security, and foreign affairs issues.

They must take strategic responsibility for the nation’s development, contribute to policymaking, and propose practical solutions for national issues. A commitment to building the next generation of leaders is also essential.

To qualify, they must have served a full term as official Central Committee members, with successful tenures as provincial leaders (party secretaries or chairpersons of provincial People’s Councils or Committees), or heads of central Party organs, ministries, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, or political-social organizations.

For those in the military, prior leadership at the military zone level is required. Exceptions are subject to Central Committee approval.

The General Secretary must fully meet all standards set for Politburo and Secretariat members.

This individual must be the most outstanding and respected leader within the Central Committee, the Politburo, the Party, and among the people. As the core of leadership and unity, the General Secretary must be capable of mobilizing the full strength of the political system, the entire Party, and the public, aligned with the goals of prosperity, democracy, fairness, and civility in the new revolutionary phase. The General Secretary must embody the highest standards of morality and intellect.

This individual must possess sharp political reasoning and a broad, deep knowledge across all critical fields - politics, economics, culture, society, defense, security, foreign affairs, Party building, and state governance.

This individual is expected to demonstrate political bravery, innovative and strategic thinking, and the ability to calmly and decisively handle complex national matters.

The General Secretary must also have the leadership capacity to steer the Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat, and be able to develop strategic cadres, especially successors and key personnel.

Eligible candidates must have previously served successfully as provincial or city Party secretaries or heads of central Party organs, and have completed at least one full term as Politburo members.

Any exceptions require Central Committee approval.

The Permanent Member of the Party Central Secretariat must also meet all standards for Politburo and Secretariat members.

This leader must be highly reputable and serve as a unifying figure within the Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, and across the Party.

This individual is expected to have sharp political theory, deep expertise in politics, economics, culture, society, defense, security, and foreign relations, along with extensive experience in Party building and political system development. Political sensitivity, decisiveness, and coordination skills are key traits, especially in managing the Party’s advisory and support bodies, the Fatherland Front, and political-social organizations.

This candidate must have previously held and succeeded in roles as provincial or municipal Party secretaries, or heads of central Party bodies. They must have completed a full term in the Politburo. Exceptions are considered by the Central Committee.

This regulation was officially issued in August 2025.

Tran Thuong