The Operational Effectiveness of the Grassroots Political System in Ethnic Minority Areas in the Context of Administrative Reform and Reorganization 38

Abstract

This article analyzes the operational effectiveness of the grassroots political system in Yen Minh Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, in the context of implementing Vietnam’s two-tier local government model. The findings indicate that, under a people-centered governance orientation, along with the promotion of digital transformation, several improvements in administrative procedures have been made, thereby contributing to the enhancement of citizens’ trust and satisfaction. Nonetheless, in the initial phase of the restructuring process, there have been some emerging challenges, including: capacity constraints among segments of local cadres; overload of doing assigned tasks; misalignment between professional expertise and assigned roles; gaps in digital skills, disparities of digital access, as well as uneven use of public services among various population groups; the requirement for cadres to remain “close to the people and grounded at the grassroots level” proves difficult in the context of expanding administrative boundaries; the difficulties faced by the dignitaries and and traditional social institutions in identifying their positions within the model of digital administration.