Law on the Organization of People's Councils and Administrative Committees at All Levels Number: 51/LCT

LAW

ORGANIZATION OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS AT ALL LEVELS

BASED ON CHAPTER 7 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM, THIS LAW REGULATES THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS AT ALL LEVELS.

PART I

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Article 1

THE ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM ARE DIVIDED AS FOLLOWS:

- THE STATE IS DIVIDED INTO PROVINCES, DIRECTLY-GOVERNED CITIES, AND AUTONOMOUS ZONES;

- PROVINCES ARE DIVIDED INTO DISTRICTS, PROVINCE-GOVERNED CITIES, AND MARKET TOWNS;

- DISTRICTS ARE DIVIDED INTO COMMUNES AND MARKET TOWNS.

AUTONOMOUS ZONES ARE DIVIDED INTO PROVINCES; PROVINCES ARE DIVIDED INTO DISTRICTS, PROVINCE-GOVERNED CITIES, AND MARKET TOWNS; DISTRICTS ARE DIVIDED INTO COMMUNES AND MARKET TOWNS.

DIRECTLY-GOVERNED CITIES MAY BE DIVIDED INTO WARD AREAS WITHIN THE CITY AND DISTRICTS OUTSIDE THE CITY.

CURRENTLY, THE RED RIVER DELTA ZONE AND VINH LINH ZONE ARE CONSIDERED AS PROVINCES.

ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS HAVE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS.

Article 2

THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL IS THE LOCAL STATE POWER BODY ELECTED BY THE LOCAL CITIZENS AND RESPONSIBLE TO THE LOCAL CITIZENS.

THE NUMBER OF DELEGATES OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AT EACH LEVEL AND THE ELECTION METHODS FOR THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL ARE REGULATED BY THE ELECTION LAW.

Article 3

THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD IS ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, SERVING AS THE EXECUTIVE BODY OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AND SIMULTANEOUSLY AS THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE BODY OF THE STATE.

Article 4

THE TERM OF EACH SESSION OF THE PROVINCE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, THE DIRECTLY-GOVERNED CITY PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, AND THE AUTONOMOUS ZONE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL IS THREE YEARS.

THE TERM OF EACH SESSION OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AT OTHER LEVELS IS TWO YEARS.

THE TERM OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AT ANY LEVEL IS IN LINE WITH THE TERM OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AT THAT LEVEL. WHEN THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL COMPLETES ITS TERM OR IS DISSOLVED, THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD CONTINUES TO PERFORM ITS TASKS UNTIL A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD IS ELECTED BY THE NEWLY-ELECTED PEOPLE'S COUNCIL.

Article 5

THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AT ANY LOCATION IS RESPONSIBLE TO AND REPORTS ITS WORK TO THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AT ITS OWN LEVEL AND TO THE SUPERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE BODY OF THE STATE.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AT ONE LOCATION IS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SUPERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AND THE UNIFIED LEADERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS.

Article 6

THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL HAS THE RIGHT TO AMEND OR ABROGATE DECISIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AT ITS OWN LEVEL THAT ARE INAPPROPRIATE; IT ALSO HAS THE RIGHT TO AMEND OR ABROGATE RESOLUTIONS OF THE LOWER-DIRECTLY SUPERIOR PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AND DECISIONS OF THE LOWER-DIRECTLY SUPERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD THAT ARE INAPPROPRIATE.

, Clause 1, Clause 2 Article 7a of this Regulation.

THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL HAS THE RIGHT TO DISSOLVE THE LOWER-DIRECTLY SUPERIOR PEOPLE'S COUNCIL IF THAT COUNCIL CAUSES SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE INTERESTS OF THE CITIZENS.

DISSOLUTION RESOLUTIONS OF THE PROVINCE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, THE DIRECTLY-GOVERNED CITY PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, AND THE AUTONOMOUS ZONE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL MUST BE APPROVED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION.

DISSOLUTION RESOLUTIONS OF THE DISTRICT PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, THE PROVINCE-GOVERNED CITY PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, AND THE MARKET TOWN PEOPLE'S COUNCIL MUST BE APPROVED BY THE PROVINCE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL OR THE DIRECTLY-GOVERNED CITY PEOPLE'S COUNCIL BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION.

Article 8

THE SUPERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE LOWER-DIRECTLY SUPERIOR PEOPLE'S COUNCIL THAT ARE INAPPROPRIATE AND TO REQUEST THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AT ITS OWN LEVEL TO AMEND OR ABROGATE THOSE RESOLUTIONS.

THE SUPERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO AMEND OR ABROGATE DECISIONS OF THE LOWER-DIRECTLY SUPERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD THAT ARE INAPPROPRIATE.

PART II

TO THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AT ALL LEVELS

PART 1

DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS

Article 9

THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS ENSURE THE RESPECT AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE STATE LAWS IN THE LOCALITY, MAINTAIN ORDER AND SECURITY, AND PROTECT PUBLIC PROPERTY IN THE LOCALITY.

Article 10

WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE LAWS ALREADY ESTABLISHED, THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS DECIDE ISSUES RELATING TO THE ECONOMY, CULTURE, AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE LOCALITY, EXPLOIT EVERY CAPABILITY OF THE LOCALITY TO ACHIEVE THE COMMON TASKS OF THE STATE IN THE LOCALITY AND IMPROVE THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE LOCAL CITIZENS.

Article 11

THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS IN THE LOCALITY AND CARE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF CITIZENS' OBLIGATIONS TO THE STATE.

Article 12

THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS ENSURE THE EQUALITY OF NATIONALITIES AND STRENGTHEN THE UNITY BETWEEN NATIONALITIES.

Article 13

BASED ON THE STATE LAWS AND THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE SUPERIOR LEVEL, THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS ISSUE RESOLUTIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE LOCALITY.

RESOLUTIONS ON ISSUES THAT THE LAWS PROVIDE MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SUPERIOR LEVEL BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION.

Article 14

THE PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS ELECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AND THE PEOPLE'S COURT AT THEIR OWN LEVEL AND HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE MEMBERS OF THESE BODIES.

Article 15

THE PROVINCE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AND THE DIRECTLY-GOVERNED CITY PEOPLE'S COUNCIL HAVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES AND POWERS:

- BASED ON THE STATE PLAN, DECIDE THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE ECONOMY, CULTURE, AND PUBLIC BENEFIT PROJECTS IN THE PROVINCE OR CITY, AND DECIDE OTHER POLICIES AND MEASURES TO EXPLOIT EVERY CAPABILITY OF THE LOCALITY TO ENSURE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE COMMON TASKS OF THE STATE IN THE LOCALITY AND CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE LOCAL CITIZENS;

- REVIEW AND APPROVE THE BUDGET ESTIMATE AND FINAL ACCOUNT OF THE PROVINCE OR CITY; DECIDE THE REVENUE FOR THE LOCAL BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE LAWS;

- BASED ON THE STATE LAWS, ISSUE REGULATIONS ON ORDER AND SECURITY, SANITARY CONDITIONS, AND OTHER ISSUES OF THE PROVINCE OR CITY.

Article 16

THE DISTRICT PEOPLE'S COUNCIL HAS THE FOLLOWING DUTIES AND POWERS:

- DECIDE THE POLICIES AND MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE TASKS AND TARGETS SET BY THE PROVINCE OR CITY FOR THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT;

- BASED ON THE CONDITIONS OF THE DISTRICT, DECIDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL;

- REVIEW AND APPROVE THE BUDGET ESTIMATE AND FINAL ACCOUNT OF THE DISTRICT;

- BASED ON THE STATE LAWS, ISSUE REGULATIONS ON ORDER AND SECURITY, AND SANITARY CONDITIONS OF THE DISTRICT.

Article 17

THE PROVINCE-GOVERNED CITY PEOPLE'S COUNCIL AND THE MARKET TOWN PEOPLE'S COUNCIL HAVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES AND POWERS:

- BASED ON THE SUPERIOR PLAN, DECIDE THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR INDUSTRY, HANDICRAFT, AGRICULTURE, CULTURE, AND PUBLIC BENEFIT PROJECTS IN THE CITY OR MARKET TOWN;

- REVIEW AND APPROVE THE BUDGET ESTIMATE AND FINAL ACCOUNT OF THE CITY OR MARKET TOWN;

- BASED ON THE STATE LAWS, ISSUE REGULATIONS ON ORDER AND SECURITY, AND SANITARY CONDITIONS OF THE CITY OR MARKET TOWN.

Article 18

THE WARD PEOPLE'S COUNCIL HAS THE FOLLOWING DUTIES AND POWERS:

- Determine policies and measures to implement tasks and targets set out in the economic and cultural development plans assigned by the city;

- Based on the conditions of the ward, decide on the construction of economic, cultural, and social facilities at the ward level;

- Examine and approve the budget estimates and final accounts of expenditures for the ward;

Article 19

The People's Councils at the commune and town levels have the following duties and powers:

- Based on the higher-level economic and cultural plans, decide on the development plans for the economy, culture, and public welfare services of the commune or town;

- Examine and approve the budget estimates and confirm the final accounts of the commune or town;

- Based on state laws, issue regulations concerning public order and security, and general hygiene in the commune or town. These regulations must be approved by the directly superior administrative committee before implementation;

PART 2

PEOPLE'S COUNCILS AT VARIOUS LEVELS IN THE AUTONOMOUS ZONE

Article 20

The People's Council of the autonomous zone has the following duties and powers:

- Ensure respect for and compliance with state laws in the locality; ensure equality among ethnic groups; maintain unity and strengthen solidarity among ethnic groups; uphold public order and security, protect public property, safeguard citizens' rights, and promote citizens' fulfillment of their obligations to the state;

- Based on national plans and specific conditions within the autonomous zone, decide on directions and tasks for economic development in the autonomous zone; decide on plans for developing ethnic culture and training ethnic cadres in the autonomous zone;

- Decide on plans for constructing economic, cultural, and social facilities at the autonomous zone level;

- Examine and approve budget estimates and final accounts of expenditures at the autonomous zone level;

- Based on state laws and taking into account political, economic, cultural, and social characteristics of ethnic groups in the locality, establish autonomy regulations and specific regulations to be implemented locally after approval by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly;

- Elect the Administrative Committee and the People's Court of the autonomous zone and remove members of these bodies;

Article 21

The People's Councils at the provincial, district, city under province, municipal town, ward, commune, and town levels within the autonomous zone have the same duties and powers as those specified for corresponding levels in Section 1 of this Chapter;

PART 3

SESSIONS OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL

Article 22

Sessions of the People's Council at any level shall be convened by the Administrative Committee at that level;

The first session of each term of the People's Council shall be convened by the previous term's Administrative Committee no later than forty-five days after the completion of the election of new representatives to the People's Council;

Article 23

The People's Councils of cities under provinces, municipal towns, wards, communes, and towns;

shall convene sessions every three months;

The People's Councils of autonomous zones, provinces, centrally-administered municipalities, and districts shall convene sessions every six months;

The Administrative Committees at all levels may convene extraordinary sessions of the People's Council at their level when they deem it necessary or when at least one-third of the total number of representatives of the People's Council at that level request it;

"d) Within no more than one working day from the date of receiving the dossier submitted for administrative procedures by the specialized agency assigned by the Provincial People's Committee, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a notification of the result of the inspection of plant-based food exports or a certificate at the request of the importing country."

The People's Council shall hold its meetings in public;

The date, location, and agenda of the People's Council session must be announced in advance so that the people are informed;

In exceptional circumstances, the People's Council may hold closed sessions upon the proposal of the session's presidium or the Administrative Committee;

Article 25

When the People's Council holds a meeting, non-representatives may be invited to attend and express their opinions, but they do not have voting rights;

Article 26

At each session, the People's Council elects a presidium and a secretariat for the session;

Article 27

Resolutions of the People's Council must be passed by more than half of the total number of representatives of the People's Council;

The People's Council votes by raising hands or by secret ballot;

PART 4

THE COMMITTEES OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL

Article 28

Depending on work needs, the People's Council may establish committees of the People's Council;

Article 29

Within the scope of their work, the committees of the People's Council have the duty to assist the People's Council in understanding the opinions and aspirations of the people, and to contribute suggestions to the People's Council in formulating and implementing local work policies;

Article 30.

Members of the committees are elected from among the representatives of the People's Council, and additional persons outside the People's Council may be appointed if necessary;

While performing tasks assigned by the committee, members of the committees do not leave their production or specialized work;

PART 5

ĐẠI BIỂU HỘI ĐỒNG NHÂN DÂN

Article 31

Representatives of the People's Council must be loyal to the people's democratic regime, set an example by adhering to the Constitution and laws, and serve the people wholeheartedly;

Article 32

Representatives of the People's Council must maintain close ties with the people, listen to the people's opinions, and be subject to the people's supervision;

Representatives of the People's Council encourage the people to comply with resolutions and decisions of the People's Council, the local administrative committee, and higher state agencies;

During their term, representatives of the People's Council must report to voters about the activities of the People's Council;

Article 33

Representatives of the People's Council have the right to question the administrative committee and specialized agencies under the administrative committee;

Representatives of the People's Council have the right to attend sessions of the People's Council at lower levels within the unit that elected them, to speak, but without voting rights;

Article 34

During the People's Council session, without the consent of the session presidium, no representative of the People's Council may be arrested or prosecuted. In cases of immediate crime or emergency, the responsible agency, when temporarily detaining a representative, must immediately report to the session presidium;

Article 35

A representative of the People's Council may be recalled by voters if deemed unworthy of their trust;

The decision to put a representative of the People's Council up for recall by voters is made by the People's Council;

The voting process for recalling a representative is conducted according to the method used for electing representatives of the People's Council;

Article 36

Any representative of the People's Council who is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment by a court loses their representative status automatically;

Article 37

A representative of the People's Council may resign due to inability to fulfill the duties of a representative of the People's Council.

Requests for resignation by representatives of the People's Council are decided by the People's Council;

Article 38

During the term of the People's Council, if there is a vacancy, supplementary elections may be organized.

The Government Council decides on the supplementary election of representatives to the People's Councils of autonomous regions, provinces, and centrally governed cities.

The provincial or centrally governed city administrative committee decides on the supplementary election of representatives to the People's Councils of counties, towns under provinces, districts, wards, communes, and townships.

Article 39

When attending meetings and during the session of the People's Council, representatives of the People's Council are entitled to travel expenses and allowances as prescribed by the Government Council. If the representative of the People's Council is a state-salaried employee, they shall still receive their salary and travel expenses but not the aforementioned allowances.

CHAPTER III

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES AT ALL LEVELS

PART 1

TASKS AND POWERS

Article 40

Administrative committees at all levels manage local administrative work; implement resolutions of their respective People's Councils and resolutions, decrees, decisions, circulars, and directives of higher-level state agencies.

Article 41

Administrative committees at all levels have the duty to convene their respective People's Council sessions on schedule, prepare for such sessions, submit important local issues for discussion and decision by the People's Council.

Article 42 |||

Administrative committees at all levels lead the work of sectors under their jurisdiction and of lower-level administrative committees.

1. The "Labor Medal" second class shall be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals meeting one of the following criteria:

Administrative committees at all levels have the authority to issue decisions and directives in accordance with the law and to inspect the implementation of those decisions and directives.

Administrative committees at all levels examine and promptly resolve citizens' complaints and accusations.

Article 44 |||

Provincial administrative committees and centrally governed city administrative committees have the following duties and authorities:

- Implement economic, cultural, and budget plans for the province or city;

- Manage local industry; lead the consolidation and development of craft cooperatives and lead the development of craft production;

- Manage basic construction work;

- Lead the consolidation and development of agricultural cooperatives and lead the development of agricultural production;

- Manage water resources work;

- Manage forestry work;

- Manage transportation and postal and broadcasting work;

- Manage commercial work, procurement work, and market management;

- Manage tax collection and other state revenues at the local level;

- Lead the implementation of banking plan targets; lead the consolidation and development of borrowing cooperatives, savings funds, and credit funds;

- Manage housing, land, and public assets;

- Manage cultural, educational, health, hygiene, and physical education and sports work;

- Manage public welfare works;

- Manage labor, wages, social insurance, and social relief work;

- Maintain public order and security, protect public property, build reserve forces, militia, self-defense forces, and perform other military tasks;

- Manage organization, staffing, and cadres;

- Participate in managing central enterprises and institutions in the locality; provide manpower, foodstuffs, and ensure public order and security for these enterprises and institutions;

- Manage other tasks assigned by the Government Council.

Article 45 |||

County administrative committees have the following duties and authorities:

- Guide, inspect, and urge communes and townships to develop and implement economic, cultural, and budget plans for communes and townships;

- Lead communes and townships to consolidate and develop cooperatives, develop agricultural and craft production, and other industries;

- Lead communes to develop water conservancy projects, transportation infrastructure, and inter-commune educational, cultural, and social works;

- Collect industrial and commercial taxes; direct communes and townships to collect taxes, debts, and purchases;

- Manage county finances;

- Inspect and urge the implementation of banking plan targets; lead the consolidation and development of borrowing cooperatives and credit funds;

- Manage cultural, educational, health, and physical education and sports work; manage postal and broadcasting work;

- Manage county schools, hospitals, public welfare works, and enterprises;

- Maintain public order and security, protect public property; build reserve forces, militia, self-defense forces, and perform other military tasks;

- Manage organization, staffing, and cadres;

- Manage other tasks assigned by higher authorities.

Article 46 |||

Administrative committees of towns under provinces and district administrative committees have the following duties and authorities:

- Implement economic, cultural, and budget plans for towns and districts;

- Lead the consolidation and development of craft cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, small traders' organizations, and other industries;

- Manage transportation and postal and broadcasting work;

- Manage housing, land, and public assets;

- Collect taxes and other state revenues;

- Urge the implementation of banking plan targets; lead the consolidation and development of borrowing cooperatives and savings funds;

- Procure goods for the state and manage markets;

- Manage cultural, educational, health, hygiene, and physical education and sports work;

- Manage primary schools, kindergartens, nursery classes, childcare centers, kindergartens, hospitals, clinics, public welfare works, and enterprises of towns and districts;

- Manage labor, wages; manage social insurance, relief, and social work;

- Manage civil registration work;

- Maintain public order and security, protect public property; build reserve forces, militia, self-defense forces, and perform other military tasks;

- Manage organization, staffing, and cadres;

- Manage other tasks assigned by higher authorities.

Article 47 |||

Administrative committees of wards have the following duties and authorities:

- Lead the consolidation and development of craft cooperatives, small traders' organizations, and other industries;

- Collect taxes and other state revenues; manage markets;

- Manage housing, land, and public assets;

- Manage ward finances;

- Urge the implementation of banking plan targets; lead the consolidation and development of savings funds;

- Manage primary schools, kindergartens, nursery classes, childcare centers, kindergartens, clinics, midwifery centers, and cultural facilities of wards;

- Manage labor, wages; manage social insurance, relief, and social work;

- Manage civil registration work;

- Maintain public order and security, protect public property; build reserve forces, militia, self-defense forces, and perform other military tasks;

- Manage organization, staffing, and cadres;

- Manage other tasks assigned by higher authorities.

Article 48

Administrative committees of communes and township administrative committees have the following duties and authorities:

- Implement economic, cultural, and budget plans for communes and townships;

- Assist agricultural production cooperatives and other cooperatives in establishing and implementing production plans; urge and supervise cooperatives and citizens to fulfill all obligations towards the State; suspend the implementation of cooperative resolutions that violate the law, but must immediately report to the immediate superior authority for decision;

- Manage the small irrigation system, village roads; manage postal and broadcasting work;

- Collect taxes, debts, and purchases for the State; manage markets, ferry crossings;

- Urge the implementation of banking targets and plans; lead the consolidation and development of borrowing cooperatives and credit funds;

- Manage public property;

- Construct primary schools; manage kindergarten classes and preparatory classes; lead the development of childcare centers and kindergartens;

- Manage health stations, maternity homes, and public welfare services; manage cultural, information, and physical education activities;

- Manage labor and social relief work;

- Manage civil registration work;

- Maintain public order and security, protect public property; build reserve forces, militia, self-defense forces, and perform other military tasks;

- Manage other tasks assigned by higher authorities.

PART 2

||| EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES AT ALL LEVELS IN THE AUTONOMOUS ZONE

Article 49

The executive committee of the autonomous zone has the following duties and powers:

- Lead the provinces within the autonomous zone in implementing ethnic policies, promoting the capabilities of all ethnic groups to ensure comprehensive development of the autonomous zone;

- Guide, inspect, and urge provincial executive committees within the autonomous zone to establish and implement economic and cultural plans, budgets;

- Manage ethnic cultural work; train ethnic cadres;

- Manage economic, cultural, and social facilities at the autonomous zone level;

- Manage finances at the autonomous zone level;

- Lead the maintenance of public order and security, protection of public property; lead the organization of local reserve forces, militia, and self-defense units;

- Implement the autonomy charter and regulations concerning specific issues of the autonomous zone;

- Manage other tasks assigned by the Council of Ministers;

Article 50

Provincial, county, city, town, commune, and township executive committees within the autonomous zone have duties and powers as stipulated for equivalent levels in Articles under Section 1 of this Chapter;

PART 3

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATING REGIME OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Article 51

At its first session, the People's Council elects the Chairman, one or more Vice Chairmen, Secretary Members, and other members of the Executive Committee.

Members of the Executive Committee must be representatives of the People's Council.

Commune and town Executive Committees consist of five to seven people. In mountain communes with interwoven ethnic groups, the Executive Committee consists of five to nine people.

County, town, city, and district Executive Committees consist of seven to nine people. In counties with interwoven ethnic groups, the Executive Committee consists of seven to eleven people.

Provincial and centrally-administered city Executive Committees consist of nine to fifteen people.

The autonomous zone Executive Committee consists of nine to seventeen people.

During the term of the Executive Committee, when there is a vacancy among its members, the People's Council at the same level will elect a replacement.

Article 52

The Council of Ministers and the immediate superior Executive Committee have the right to suspend the work of an Executive Committee member who commits an offense. An Executive Committee with an offending member will bring the matter to the same-level People's Council for determination.

Article 53

Executive Committees at all levels operate according to the principle of collective leadership and division of responsibility.

Each member of the Executive Committee is responsible for the work of the Executive Committee as a whole and for their own portion of the work.

The Chairman of the Executive Committee leads the work of the Executive Committee, convenes and chairs meetings of the Executive Committee; ensures compliance with resolutions of the same-level People's Council, resolutions, decrees, decisions, circulars, and directives of the Executive Committee and higher state agencies.

The Vice Chairmen assist the Chairman in leading the work of the Executive Committee, may be assigned by the Executive Committee to direct specific areas of work, and may be authorized to act on behalf of the Chairman in his absence.

The Secretary Member leads the office of the Executive Committee, handles daily work under the leadership of the Chairman and Vice Chairmen.

The Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Secretary Member form the permanent body of the Executive Committee.

Article 54

Executive Committees at all levels meet at least once a month.

PART 4

SPECIALIZED AGENCIES UNDER THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Article 55

Executive Committees at all levels establish or abolish specialized agencies, and establish or abolish specialized departments under the Executive Committee, in accordance with principles and procedures prescribed by the Council of Ministers.

Article 56

Specialized agencies under the Executive Committee are subject to the leadership of the Executive Committee, while also being directed technically and in terms of tasks by higher-level specialized agencies.

Heads of specialized agencies are responsible and report their work to their respective administrative bodies and higher-level specialized agencies.

PART IV

PROVISIONS ON ORGANIZATION IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS

CHANGE IN LEVEL OR BOUNDARIES OF ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS

Article 57

In cases where two or more administrative units are merged into a new unit, the People's Councils of the old units become the People's Council of the new unit and continue to operate until the end of the term of the old People's Councils.

The People's Council of the new administrative unit will elect a new Executive Committee.

Article 58

In cases where an administrative unit is divided into two or more new units, representatives elected in the new unit's territory will form the People's Council of that unit and continue to operate until the end of their term. If additional representatives need to be elected, it shall be done in accordance with Article 38 of this Law.

The People's Council of the new administrative unit will elect a new Executive Committee.

Article 59

In cases where an administrative unit changes its level, the People's Council and Executive Committee continue to operate at the new level until the end of their term.

Article 60

Law No. 110-SL/L.12 dated May 31, 1958 on the organization of local government and other regulations issued prior to this Law that conflict with it are hereby repealed.

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This Law was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Second Session, Fifth Meeting, on October 27, 1962.

Ho Chi Minh City

(Signed)