Prospects for Democracy in South Vietnam

Archive Report

Uncertainties Amid coming Election

Importance of Presidential Election to U.S. Role

The issues are unclear and the electorate is cynical and apathetic. Yet, South Viet Nam's presidential election next October is a topic of concern and comment throughout the world. Much—including the overriding question of peace or a continuation of the war—is believed to be in the balance. Among other things, the vote will test the depth of democratic institutions in a republic proclaimed only 16 years ago. The election could validate or invalidate President Nixon's Vietnamization program. And it will be a test of President Nguyen Van Thieu's policies, including his decision to invade Laos earlier this year.

Less than four months before the election was due to take place on Oct. 3, 1971, Thieu had ...

locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles