Vietnamese to elect new assembly

Vietnamese voters are to pick 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 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.

The 500-member 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.

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.

Turn-out is expected to be high as voting is mandatory.

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.