Vientiane province: A training session was organised for candidates contesting the 10th National Assembly (NA) and the 5th Vientiane Provincial People's Council (PPC) elections on February 4, 2026, as per provincial sources.

According to Lao News Agency, the training was presided over by Phouthanuphet Saisombat, a Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Administrative Office of the Vientiane Provincial Party Committee. The session was attended by Thongsalith Mangnormek, a Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Education and Sports, along with all candidates for the 10th NA and the 5th Vientiane PPC.

Phouthanuphet Saisombat highlighted that the training aimed to improve candidates' understanding of the guiding viewpoints of the Party Central Committee's Political Bureau, their roles, rights, and responsibilities as members of the National Assembly and Provincial People's Councils. The session also focused on ensuring uniformity in election campaigning across the province and provided guidance on organising campaign activities.

The training delved into the five objectives and five guiding viewpoints outlined in Politburo Resolution No. 26, dated September 12, 2025, on strengthening Party leadership and guidance over the election. Participants also reviewed the guidance from the National Election Committee in Document No. 16, dated January 12, 2026, regarding the organisation of election campaigning and the posting of candidate photographs and brief biographies for the 10th NA and the 5th PPC.

Additionally, the training session included supplementary guidance on campaigning by organisations and individual candidates, relevant articles of the 2024 Law on the National Assembly and the 2024 Law on Provincial People's Councils, as well as the activity plans for candidates for the 10th NA and the 5th PPC.

Phouthanuphet Saisombat stressed the importance of provincial and district-level election committees, including assistant commissioners, enhancing their sense of responsibility and coordination to ensure the successful execution of the election in line with set objectives. Campaign and mobilisation commissioners, along with campaign leadership teams at all levels, were encouraged to prepare thoroughly to ensure effective campaign activities.

He also advised that candidates for the NA and PPC must adequately prepare for their campaigns, particularly in delivering concise, comprehensive, and law-abiding self-introduction speeches. This preparation is crucial for enabling voters to understand the candidates' backgrounds and make informed decisions when exercising their voting rights.