Vietnam Tightens Control at Communist Party Congress with Phone Ban and Offline Tablets

Post by : Saif Nasser

Vietnam’s Communist Party has begun its most important political meeting with unusually strict security rules. Delegates attending the week-long party congress in Hanoi have been banned from using mobile phones and have been given special tablets that do not connect to the internet. These steps show how tightly controlled the event is, even by Vietnam’s already strict standards.

The Communist Party congress is held once every five years. It is one of the most powerful political events in the country. Around 1,600 delegates are taking part. They represent about 5.6 million party members in a nation of nearly 100 million people. During this congress, delegates will choose the party’s top leaders and set policies that will guide Vietnam for the rest of the decade.

At the center of the meeting is Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. He is seeking to keep his position and gain more influence over the country’s future direction. The congress will also elect a new 200-member Central Committee and approve an official resolution that outlines the party’s plans and priorities.

Security at the event has been tightened in many ways. According to people familiar with the arrangements, all delegates were given Samsung tablets that only work on a closed internal network. These tablets can be used to read and work on official documents, but they cannot access the internet or outside communication platforms.

Mobile phone networks were also blocked at the congress venue and nearby areas. Reporters present at the conference center said phone signals were jammed, making normal calls or messages impossible. From the second day of the congress, delegates were not allowed to carry their mobile phones at all.

Delegates were also told they must stay in special, designated accommodations during the entire week of the meeting. This rule applies even to delegates who normally live in Hanoi. These measures ensure that participants remain focused on the congress and limit contact with the outside world.

The opening sessions took place in a grand hall decorated with red carpets. Party leaders sat on stage beneath a large statue of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam. Portraits of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin were displayed behind them, reflecting the party’s ideological roots.

Journalists covering the congress are also facing tight restrictions. They are not allowed to carry mobile phones while reporting on the event. Although reporters may use their own computers, they can only connect to the official congress network. Guidelines sent to foreign media clearly state that journalists must not damage the image or reputation of Vietnam, its leaders, or the delegates in any way.

Vietnam is a one-party state where the Communist Party controls political power and closely manages information. Still, the level of control seen at this congress stands out. The strict rules suggest the leadership is determined to prevent leaks, rumors, or outside influence during this sensitive period.

For the Vietnamese government, stability and unity are key goals. By limiting communication and movement, party leaders aim to ensure that decisions are made behind closed doors and presented to the public as a united front. Supporters say this helps maintain order and focus. Critics, however, argue that such controls highlight the lack of openness in Vietnam’s political system.

As the congress continues, the outcomes will shape Vietnam’s leadership and policies for years to come. While the public will eventually hear the official results, the process itself remains firmly shielded from view, reflecting the party’s strong grip on power and information.