Politics of Laos


The politics of the Lao People's Democratic Republic takes place in the framework of a one-party socialist republic. The only legal political party is the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The de jure head of state is President Bounnhang Vorachith, who also is LPRP general secretary making him the de facto leader of Laos.
The head of government is Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. Government policies are determined by the party through the all-powerful nine-member Politburo and the 49-member Central Committee. Important government decisions are vetted by the Council of Ministers.
The FY 2000 central government budget plan called for revenue of $180 million and expenditures of $289 million, including capital expenditures of $202 million.

Political culture

Laos' first, French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on May 11, 1947 and declared it to be an independent state within the French Union. The revised constitution of May 11, 1957, omitted reference to the French Union, though close educational, health and technical ties with the former colonial power persisted. The 1957 document was abrogated on December 3, 1975, when a communist state was proclaimed.
A new constitution was adopted in 1991 and enshrined a "leading role" for the LPRP. The following year, elections were held for a new 85-seat National Assembly with members elected by secret ballot to five-year terms. This National Assembly, which essentially acts as a rubber stamp for the LPRP, approves all new laws, although the executive branch retains authority to issue binding decrees.
The most recent election took place in March 2016.

Insurgency

In the early 2000s, bomb attacks against the government occurred, coupled with small exchanges of fire, across Laos. A variety of different groups have claimed responsibility including the Committee for Independence and Democracy in Laos and Lao Citizens Movement for Democracy.

Executive branch

Legislative branch

The National Assembly has 149 members, elected for a five-year term.

Political parties and elections

Parliamentary elections

Judicial branch

The President of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee. The Vice President of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee.
As for the legal profession, there are 188 lawyers in Laos who are members of the Laos Bar Association according to a 2016 article. However, most of the attorneys have entered the government sector and do not practice law—seldom giving thought to practicing in the private sector. While there is evidence of female lawyers in Laos, there is no indication as to how women have fared in the legal field.

Government

Somphao Phaysith, Governor of Lao PDR Central Bank

National Assembly (April 2016)

Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party:
  1. Lt. Gen. Choummaly Sayasone, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party
  2. Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister
  3. Colonel Bounnhang Vorachith, Vice President of Lao People's Democratic Republic, Standing Member of the Secretariat
  4. Pany Yathotou, Chairwoman of the National Assembly
  5. Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Party's National External Relations Committee
  6. Maj. Gen. Asang Laoly, Deputy Prime Minister
  7. Lt. Gen. Douangchay Phichith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence
  8. Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister
  9. Dr. Bounthong Chitmany, Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Inspection, Chairman of the State Inspection Committee.
  10. Dr Bounpone Bouttanavong, Deputy Prime Minister
  11. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Sports
Secretariat of the Party Central Committee:
  1. Lt. Gen. Choummaly Sayasone
  2. Bounnhang Vorachit
  3. Dr Bounthong Chitmany, Chairman of the Commission for Inspection, Chairman of the State Inspection Committee
  4. Dr Bounpone Bouttanavong, Head of Lao Party Central Office, Deputy Prime Minister
  5. Dr Thongban Seng-aphone, Minister of Public Security
  6. Chansy Phosikham, Head of the Party's Central Organisation Commission
  7. Soukan Mahalath, Secretary of the Vientiane City Party Committee, Vientiane Mayor
  8. Lt. Gen. Sengnuan Xayalath, Acting Minister of National Defense
  9. Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Head of the Central Propaganda and Training Commission
Inspection Committee of the Party Central Committee
  1. Bounthong Chitmany
  2. Thongsy Ouanlasy
  3. Sinay Mienglavanh
  4. Khamsuan Chanthavong
  5. Thongsouk Bounyavong
  6. Singphet Bounsavatthiphan
  7. Bounpone Sangsomsak
Party Central Committee Advisor: Khamtai Siphandon

Administrative divisions

Laos is divided into 17 provinces, 1 municipality* :

Attapu, Bokeo, Borikhamxay, Champassack, Houaphan, Khammouane, Louang Namtha, Luangphabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Saravane, Savannakhet, Saysomboune, Sekong, Vientiane*, Vientiane, Sayaboury, Xieng Khouang.