Vientiane: The election of members for the 10th National Assembly (NA) and the 5th Provincial People's Assemblies (PPA) is seen as a pivotal implementation of the Party's guidelines and policies, particularly aligning with the resolutions from the 12th Party Congress. This initiative aims to fortify the People's Democratic State, ensuring it truly serves the people.
According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Saysomphone Phomvihane, a Member of the Party Central Political Bureau, President of the National Assembly, and Chairman of the National Election Committee, elaborated in an interview on January 30, 2026, about the comprehensive preparations underway for the forthcoming elections. Mr. Saysomphone highlighted the conclusion of the five-year terms of the 9th National Assembly and the 4th Provincial People's Assemblies in February 2026, as mandated by the Constitution and laws. Consequently, the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, and local administrations are actively preparing for the new legislative elections.
Mr. Saysomphone emphasized that this election represents a significant national political event, enabling civil servants, soldiers, police, and the Lao multi-ethnic populace to exercise their democratic rights. As articulated in Article 36 of the Constitution, these rights include the ability to vote and stand for election. This process also broadens public involvement in selecting representatives tasked with deliberating and deciding on crucial national and local issues during National Assembly and Provincial People's Assembly sessions.
The Chairman of the National Election Committee underscored the election's vital role in reinforcing the state power system to address political tasks in the new development era. It also strengthens the Party's leadership over representative bodies by encouraging participation from senior Party and state leadership and management personnel as candidates.
According to Mr. Saysomphone, there are 243 candidates vying for 175 seats in the 10th National Assembly, while 1,041 candidates are competing for 745 seats in the Provincial People's Assemblies. The demographics of candidates show that those aged 45 and below constitute 15-20 percent, 46-55 years account for 35-45 percent, 56-60 years for 25-30 percent, and those aged 60 years and above make up 10-15 percent, with women representing 35 percent of the total candidates. The age range of candidates spans from the youngest at 36 to the oldest at 69 years.
Candidates originate from a diverse array of sectors, including Party and state organizations, the Lao Front for National Construction, the Lao Veterans Association, mass organizations, national defense and security forces, educational institutions, state enterprises, cooperatives, private enterprises, and the business community.
