VIENTIANE: Candidates standing for election to the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils are undergoing training sessions to boost their chances of winning a seat when the nation goes to the polls on Feb 22.
In Vientiane, candidates hoping to represent local constituents in the 10th Legislature of the National Assembly and the 5th Vientiane People’s Council attended a training session on Wednesday (Feb 4).
The session was chaired by the Vice President of the National Assembly and member of the National Election Committee, Prof Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher.
The programme aimed to enhance understanding of the essentials of campaigning and how to inspire patriotism among constituents and encourage all eligible citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote, including Party members, civil servants, soldiers, police officers, students, business operators, and Lao people of all ethnic groups.
Participants were advised to ensure that voters are well informed and voluntarily exercise their voting rights on Election Day.
Prof Dr Chaleun outlined the key provisions of the laws governing members of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils.
Topics included the rights and duties of elected members, the roles and responsibilities of people’s councils, proposed schedules for campaign activities, the role of women in the councils, and important considerations for campaigning and the performance of official duties.
The election of new members of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils is one of the most significant political events in the country.
With campaigning hotting up, voters have stressed the importance of electing knowledgeable, innovative, and people-oriented representatives to guide national development over the next five years.
On Election Day, Lao citizens will go to polling stations set up across the country to cast their votes and play their rightful part in driving the country’ progress.
A total of 243 candidates are contesting 175 seats in the next National Assembly, while 1,041 candidates are competing for 745 seats in Provincial People’s Councils.
Women account for 35 percent of the candidates, with ages ranging from 36 to 69. - Vientiane Times/ANN
