Increasingly sophisticated tricks
One of the familiar arguments is that elections in Vietnam are only "formal", "the Party elects the people", or "the results have been arranged". This is a way of swapping concepts, deliberately denying the principles of democracy that have been constitutionalized.
According to the 2013 Constitution and the Law on Election of National Assembly Deputies and People's Council Deputies, all eligible citizens have the right to vote and stand for election; elections are carried out according to the principles of universal, equal, direct and secret ballot. The process from consultation, making candidate lists, listing voter lists, campaigning to voting and announcing results are all strictly legalized, with the supervision of the Fatherland Front, socio-political organizations and voters.
The 5-step consultation is not "arrangement", but a democratic screening mechanism, ensuring that candidates meet the standards, qualities, capabilities and receive trust in their place of residence and work. Intentionally distorting this process into "internal infighting" or "wing splitting" is a trick to create suspicion and shake the confidence of voters.
Notably, near the election day, bad actors using anonymous accounts and fake fan pages often spread rumors about the private lives, assets, and cut and pasted statements of candidates. Even Deepfake technology and AI are used to create fake videos and images of leaders and officials to defame honor. This is a dangerous trick, because it hits the psychology of curiosity and the trend of rapid sharing on social networks.
Another form of distortion is calling for "not voting", "voting for everyone is the same", or encouraging blank ballots to reduce voter turnout. Intentionally inciting a boycott is not "expression of opinion", but an act of reducing the right to mastery of the people themselves.
More sophisticatedly, today's distorted rhetoric is no longer crudely offensive, but is disguised as "analysis", "criticism", "constructive suggestions". Some articles cite loosely legal regulations, emphasize individual details and then deduce them into a common nature. There are cases of mechanical comparison with the election model of other countries, ignoring the specific socio-political context of Vietnam.
Every citizen needs to be an "information gatekeeper
Fighting against wrong views on elections is the task of the entire political system. Party committees and authorities at all levels must proactively orient information; the Fatherland Front and mass organizations strengthen propaganda; the press plays a core role in refuting distorted arguments, clarifying procedures, and clarifying issues of concern to voters.
In the digital age, each citizen is also an "information gatekeeper". Each unverified share can inadvertently contribute to fake news. Conversely, each alert action, verifying information sources, and reporting violations contributes to protecting a healthy information environment.
Functional agencies recommend that each citizen should equip themselves with skills to distinguish real and fake information. In which, check the source of information disseminated, compare information from many channels, especially official newspapers, information portals of the National Election Council, local authorities. Identify abnormal signs such as sensational headlines, using photoshopped images, videos of unclear origin, content hitting emotions instead of reasoning.
Immunization" to fake news is first of all a process of self-training critical thinking. If people are easily led by temporary emotions, by crowd psychology, then bad and toxic news will have a place to live. Conversely, when each individual is brave and alert, fake news will be difficult to spread.
In addition, do not share unverified content. Do not comment in the direction of accusation or speculation when there is no official information. Do not participate in closed groups with content inciting and boycotting elections.
People can also use the reporting feature on social networking platforms when detecting violating content. Inform functional agencies or local mass organizations if serious signs of distortion are detected.
One of the goals of toxic information is to reduce trust and make voters indifferent. Therefore, actively participating in voter meetings, learning about the biography and action program of candidates and directly going to vote in accordance with regulations is the most effective way to refute the boycott argument.
In addition to fighting against wrongdoing, people can also proactively spread correct information such as sharing official content, explaining the election process to relatives, especially the elderly or people with less access to information. Contributing to building a civilized, respectful discussion environment, based on arguments instead of extreme emotions.
