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SCMP Reporter

Vietnam's supreme leader Do Muoi seems set for an extended term, as continuity ruled preliminary votes before tomorrow's Communist Party congress.

   Vietnam's septuagenarian big three of Mr Muoi, premier Vo Van Kiet and President Le Duc Anh were included in votes for candidates for a new Central Committee, party sources said.

   Under the party's complex internal ballots, which leave little to chance, Mr Muoi is the only candidate for the top job, but the votes from 1,200 congress delegates must be ratified after the sessions open formally tomorrow.

   Mr Kiet and Mr Anh must then be voted in to their positions by the National Assembly, effectively Vietnam's parliament.

   If finally approved, Mr Muoi will continue a 60-year tradition of keeping northerners in the top job, heading a delicate balance of army generals and civilians, ideologues and reformers.

   Mr Muoi, 79, forged a career as a tough, back-room disciplinarian after being jailed by former French colonialists.

   A relative unknown until the mid-1980s, he became a bridge between veteran revolutionaries and young, more dynamic leaders wanting fast change, diplomats said.

   He remains keen on social reforms but is economically conservative, calling for a continued role for the state in 'Lenin's new economic policy'. He has said the only thing he fears about foreign investors is not being able to control them.

   His future role could be an even more tricky juggling act.

   Growing demands from inside and outside the country for more change contrast with domestic concerns that both the party, and Vietnam's strait-laced, family-based society, is under long-term threat.

   Mr Muoi cut a rare public dash on a national tour this year, dressed in revolution-era garb but calling for faster industrialisation.

   The 170-strong Central Committee is now expected to include more than 50 young members, with the new blood bringing the average age down to 55 as part of a scheme to boost leadership vigour and talent.

   The committee is charged with selecting a new, expanded politburo: Vietnam's most powerful body, responsible for the most important state, military and party decisions.

   The top three are also expected to be voted on to a 20-strong politburo, but their terms may be far shorter than the normal five years.

  It is understood that Mr Muoi may take the resurrected title of party chairman - a position not held since the death of Ho Chi Minh.

   Moves by which the chairman can be made the head of a special, re-formed executive within the politburo are now being considered.

  They are seen as a possible means of securing more important positions for the military, which is known to want more power.

   The party is also contemplating structural changes, giving retired leaders more important roles.



Muoi set to ensure continuity at top