Fewer independent candidates than before are standing in an election in Vietnam on Sunday to a largely rubber-stamp legislature that is dominated by the Communist Party but which has taken on a growing role in discussing social issues.
Despite increasing openness to social change and a plethora of free trade deals, the party — one of the last ruling communist parties in the world — retains tight control over Vietnam and its media, and tolerates little dissent.
Some 92% of candidates standing for the 500-seat National Assembly are party members.