FILE PHOTO: Laotians look at candidates’ pictures at a polling station during the general election in 2006. - Reuters
VIENTIANE: Laos has established a national committee to oversee the upcoming general election, which is expected to take place early next year.
The 21-member National Election Committee, chaired by President of the National Assembly (NA) Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, has been tasked with supervising the election process, which is held every five years.
Eligible Lao voters will elect 175 members to the 10th legislature of the National Assembly, an increase from 164 members in the current 9th legislature, including 36 women. One member of parliament represents approximately 50,000 Lao citizens.
An NA official said the total number of eligible voters is currently being compiled.
The current 9th legislature of the NA will complete its five-year term on March 22, 2026, and hand over duties to the 10th legislature.
Under Article 6 of the 2024 amended Law on the National Assembly, the national election must be completed at least 60 days before the current legislature’s term ends.
“The precise date of the election will be announced at a later time,” said Vice President of the National Assembly and a member of the National Election Committee, Prof Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher, during a press conference on Tuesday.
The National Election Committee recently convened its first meeting to review relevant documents and assign responsibilities to its members.
Following the announcement of the election results, the 10th legislature of the National Assembly will hold its preliminary session within 60 days after the election. The current legislature held its first session on March 22, 2021—the day it began its five-year tenure.
As stipulated in the 2024 amended Law on the National Assembly, the preliminary session will elect the country’s top state leaders and approve key national matters.
These include the election of the NA President and Vice President, the State President and Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Supreme Prosecutor, and the President of the People’s Supreme Court, as well as endorsement of the new government cabinet.
The session will also approve the Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030. Prof Dr Chaleun also urged provincial authorities to begin preparations for the election of members of the Provincial People’s Councils.
He called on all Lao citizens, particularly eligible voters, to actively participate in the upcoming national election to ensure its success and the achievement of its goals. - Vientiane Times/ANN
