Vietnam's state-run media says the national assembly has voted to formally relieve its chairman of his duties. The procedure was part of an extraordinary session on personnel affairs held amid a series of resignations from top officials.

The Communist Party already accepted Vuong Dinh Hue's resignation on April 26. He had been accused of "violations and shortcomings," though the party did not reveal any details. The position of national assembly chairman is the fourth-highest in the party.

This was followed by the resignation of the country's president, Vo Van Thuong, in March. He was the second-highest ranking member of the party. His predecessor had only stepped down in January of last year.

It comes as the party's General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who is regarded as the most powerful figure in the country, spearheads an anti-corruption campaign. The crackdown has led to several senior political officials being charged and punished.