Vientiane: The election of deputies to the 10th National Assembly (NA) and the 5th provincial People's Councils in Laos commenced on the morning of February 22.According to Lao News Agency, Lao Party and State leaders joined a large number of citizens from all ethnic groups in the election, coming to polling stations to exercise their citizens' rights. Notably, Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, along with his spouse and other national leaders, cast their ballots at Polling Station No. 1 of Constituency No. 1 in Thaphalanxay village, Sisattanak district of Vientiane capital.Chairman of the Lao NA, Saysomphone Phomvihane, speaking to domestic and foreign media at Polling Station No. 23 of Constituency No. 1 at Sibounheuang Pagoda in Chanthabuly district, emphasized the three key roles of a representative in the new tenure. These roles include protecting the rights and legitimate interests of the people, addressing difficulties and challenges with a focus on poverty reductio n, and maintaining close contact with the grassroots to disseminate the Constitution and laws.He further urged voters to enhance their sense of responsibility and monitor their representatives' performance to ensure that the elected individuals fulfill their duties and uphold the trust placed in them by the citizens.Statistics reveal that there are a total of 4,764,384 eligible voters in Laos. These voters will choose 175 deputies to the 10th NA from 243 candidates, and 745 deputies to the 5th provincial People's Councils from 1,041 candidates. The 10th parliament of Laos will have 11 more members compared to the 9th NA.This election follows the successful 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Alongside achievements in politics, the economy, social affairs, and national defence over the past five years, this year's election aims to complete the country's leadership structure, guiding Laos towards prosperity and a new era of development.