Vietnam's ruling Communist Party re-elected its top leader Nong Duc Manh to a second term overseeing the country's economic reforms and its fight against corruption.
Manh, 65, retained his post as head of the party and the first among equals in the ruling triumvirate that includes the president and prime minister.
Communist Party officials announced the new Politburo lineup from inside Ba Dinh Hall, where a golden bust of the country's revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh holds a place of honor.
However, it was unclear who was chosen as president and prime minister.
The top four positions in the Politburo belong to the general secretary, the president, the prime minister and the national assembly chairman but in a departure from tradition, the 14 Politburo members were not announced in order.
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, 72, and President Tran Duc Luong, 68, were both slated to step down. Party insiders had said earlier that Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, 56, was favored to replace Khai; while Nguyen Minh Triet, 64, Ho Chi Minh City's party chief, was tapped to become president.
The Communist Party will make its recommendation for the top two government posts to the National Assembly, which will then formally confirm the choices during a legislative session, either next month or in the latter part of the year.
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