A few weeks ago I had cool assignment for The New York Times come in, to photograph Mai Khoi, a young and very talented musician who’s campaigning for a seat in Vietnam’s General Assembly. Having always been occupied by party-line stalwarts, her entry into the body would shake things up, to say the least, and would be a welcome voice to many in the country I’m sure.

I’ll let you read more about it all in the article penned by Mike Ives, and I’ll share a few images we made below that didn’t make the publishing run.

I hope you enjoy and let’s wish Mai Khoi the best of luck on her candidacy!

Nguyen Trang Nhung, 34, has described her candidacy as a challenge to a government.