Hanoi, March 15 -- A total of 71,392,498 out of 76,609,388 voters nationwide had cast their ballots as of 16:00 on March 15, representing a turnout of 93.19%, member of the National Election Council and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh told reporters at the Election Press Centre in Hanoi.

Thanh reported that five out of 34 provinces and cities recorded turnout rates close to 100%, led by Tuyen Quang at 99.86%, Lao Cai 99.81%, Lang Son 99.3%, Dien Bien 99.23% and Lai Chau 99.2%.

Meanwhile, 18 localities posted turnout above 95%, including Da Nang (98.71%), Ha Tinh (98.7%), Cao Bang (98.22%), Thai Nguyen (98.17%), Quang Ninh (98.08%), Son La (97.98%), Hue (97.86%), Vinh Long (97.77%), Ca Mau (97.76%), Dak Lak (97.44%), Quang ...