ABSTRACT
Theories of democratic political representation require representatives to act in the interests of the represented and for all groups to have representation. Is democratic political representation possible in a single-party regime, and does it exist in practice in Vietnam, where the ruling Communist Party claims to represent all groups? This chapter argues that while democratic political representation is theoretically possible, the functioning of the country’s Leninist political framework effectively privileges the interests of party leaders over the priorities of citizens. In reviewing Vietnam’s representative institutions, it is clear that despite increasing space for groups outside of the party to raise issues of public concern, the institutions are still heavily tilted towards the interests of party leaders and government officials.
