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National Assembly elections were held in areas controlled by North Vietnam on 6 January 1946. Held under the 1946 constitution, they resulted in a victory for the Communist-led League for the Independence of Vietnam (better known as Viet Minh), which won 182 of the 302 seats, although the distribution of seats had been decided before the elections. The ballot was not secret, and ballot papers were filled in in the presence of aides who were "to help comrades who had difficulty in making out their ballots."
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Background
On 8 September 1945, six days after the proclamation of independence, Ho Chi Minh signed decree 14 on the National Assembly elections. On 17 October he signed decree 15 detailing the regulations for the elections; turnout was required to be at least 25% to validate the results, all citizens over the age of 18 had the right to vote, and those over 21 could stand as candidates. On November 11, as an effort to alleviate the fears of a Communist takeover, the Indochinese Communist Party announced its dissolution. However, it remained de facto in existence and in control of the Viet Minh.
Conduct
The elections were opposed by the French colonial authorities and their supporters, and were marked by bombings and misinformation.
Results
According to Ho Chi Minh, voter turnout was approximately 82%. Other sources put turnout at 89%.
Aftermath
The first session of the National Assembly took place on 2 March 1946.