HANOI, July 20: Millions of Vietnamese went to the polls on Sunday to elect a National Assembly. A total of 450 seats of the legislative body were up for grabs in the nationwide election that is held every five years.

Although 83 per cent of the candidates are from the ruling communist party, the voters were offered choices among workers, union representatives, educators and others who were running against party stalwarts.``This is a very democratic election,'' said communist party general secretary Do Muoi, as he cast the first ballot in his Hanoi neighbourhood.

An outgoing member, Muoi, 83, opted not to run for reelection, saying he wanted to give way to a younger generation. Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet and President Le Duc Anh also announced that they were stepping down.

The polling by 40 million eligible voters is billed as an indirect selection of Vietnam's new leadership which will come from assembly ranks after the body meets in September.

While few dramatic changes are expected, observers say the passing of the old guard may instill more vigor into the political system and allow for some independent voices to emerge within the party structure.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.