Introduction

In April 2001, at the Ninth Congress of the Vietnam Communist Party (VCP), Nong Duc Manh replaced Le Kha Phieu as Secretary General. Manh came to office after nine years of service as Chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee. Reform of the National Assembly and its legislative capacity in order to transform Vietnam from arbitrary one-party rule into a “law governed state” has been a major goal of the VCP. It is designed to pre-empt domestic opposition and to maintain the VCP in power.

Manh represents the ideological centre of the Vietnam Communist Party. He had served on the Politburo for two full terms before his elevation to the top leadership post. The position of party Secretary General is not as powerful as it once was. The era of the party strongman is long over. It passed with the death of party leader Le Duan in mid-1986 after more than a quarter century at the helm. Since then, no party leader has served two five-year terms. Reformist Nguyen Van Linh only served one term in office (1986–91). His successor, Do Muoi, was elected to serve two terms but stepped down after only six years (1991–97). His replacement, Le Kha Phieu, served out the remaining four years of office but failed to secure election to a full five-year term.

As Chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee, Manh has had the task of turning party strategic guidance into pragmatic and workable outcomes. Manh successfully managed the reform of the National Assembly, transforming it from a rubber stamp body into a legislature that has come to play an increasingly important role in Vietnam's political life. Manh thus brings to his present position not only seniority but extensive experience in political brokerage, such as forging consensus when discordant voices are raised. This chapter reviews political developments in Vietnam during 2002 with a view towards assessing Nong Duc Manh's stewardship as party leader.