VIENTIANE: Amendments to the constitution of Laos, which are currently being drafted, aim to strengthen state auditing and inspection to ensure transparency and accountability in governance and tackling corruption.
Authorities in charge of the amendments are soliciting input from various sectors before submitting the final draft to an extraordinary session of the National Assembly’s 9th Legislature, scheduled for late March.
In the latest move, the national committee in charge of the constitution amendment organised a consultation meeting in Luang Namtha province chaired by member of the Party Central Committee and President of the National Economic and Social Science Institute, Dr Kongkeo Xaysongkham. Participants shared insights on ways to improve the draft amendments.
“Key improvements include closer monitoring of financial management, enforcing legal responsibilities, and combating corruption,” President of the National Assembly’s Justice Committee and member of the national committee in charge of the revision, Thoummaly Vongphachanh, told reporters.
“These changes aim to uphold the rule of law, fairness, and national integrity, fostering sustainable development.”
The amendments also highlight the state’s commitment to protecting the rights and cultural heritage of Lao citizens living abroad. The government recognises their role in national development, encouraging their connection to their homeland and contributions to the nation’s progress, she added.
Attending the meeting, member of the Party Standing Committee and Chairman of the Lao Front for National Development in Phongsaly province, Phonexay Keosomphanh, said amendments are vital to support national growth and Laos’ integration with the region and the world.
He especially welcomed changes that grant more power to local authorities.
Among the proposed amendments, Article 88 specifies the mandate for local administrations with regard to formulating strategy plans, socio-economic development and budget plans, and defence and security plans for their localities. Local administrations are mandated to execute these plans and oversee the overall development of their areas.
Meanwhile, Provincial People’s Councils and the Vientiane People’s Council are empowered to approve the organisational structure of provincial administration committees and key positions.
Phonexay said greater responsibilities and decision-making powers will enable the councils to tackle challenges like infrastructure development and drive local leadership.
In the past, local authorities had limited decision-making power with regard to authorising investment projects, leading to some investors being unwilling to comply with guidance from local authorities so that they had problems regulating projects taking place in areas under their jurisdiction, he added.
The meeting was also attended by the Governor of Luang Namtha province, Viengsavath Siphandone, the Governor of Bokeo province, Dr Thongchan Manisay, and representatives of Phongsaly province. - Vientiane Times/ANN
