| Laos |
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The politics of Laos takes place in the framework of a single-party socialist republic. The only legal political party is the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of state is President Choummaly Sayasone, who also is secretary-general (leader) of the LPRP. The head of government is Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong. Government policies are determined by the party through the all-powerful nine-member Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 49-member Central Committee. Important government decisions are vetted by the Council of Ministers.
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 People's Republic 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 elections took place in April 2006. The assembly was expanded to 99 members in 1997 and in 2006 elections had 115.
The FY 2000 central government budget plan called for revenue of $180 million and expenditures of $289 million, including capital expenditures of $202 million.
In recent years bomb attacks against the government have 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. However, there are no more bomb attacks or small exchange of fire.
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| Office | Name | Party | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Choummaly Sayasone | Lao People's Revolutionary Party | 8 June 2006 |
| Prime Minister | Thongsing Thammavong | Lao People's Revolutionary Party | 23 December 2010 |
The president is elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term. The prime minister and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the president with the approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term.
There are also four deputy prime ministers. As of a cabinet reshuffle on June 8, 2006, they are Maj. Gen. Douangchay Phichit (also defense minister), Thongloun Sisoulith (also foreign minister), Somsavat Lengsavad and Maj. Gen. Asang Laoly.
The 28-member cabinet also includes Onechanh Thammavong as labour minister, Chaleuan Yapaoher as justice minister, Nam Vignaket as industry and commerce minister, Sitaheng Latsaphone as agriculture minister and Sommath Pholsena as transport minister.
The National Assembly (Sapha Heng Xat) has 115 members, elected for a five year term.
| Seats | |
|---|---|
| Lao People's Revolutionary Party (Phak Paxaxôn Pativat Lao) | 113 |
| Non-partisans | 2 |
| Total | 115 |
People's Supreme Court, 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
President H E Mr Choummaly Sayasone
Vice President H E Mr Bounnhang Vorachith
Prime Minister H E Mr Thongsing Thammavong
Deputy Prime Minister and President of State Control Authority H E Major General Asang Laoly
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Dr Thongloun Sisoulith
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence H E Major General Douangchay Phichith
Deputy Prime Minister and Standing Member of Government H E Dr Somsavat Lengsavad
H E Mr Thongbane Sengaphone, Minister of National Security
H E Ms Onchanh Thammavong, Minister of Labour and Social -Welfare
H E Mr Somdy Douangdy, Minister of planning and investment
H E Mr Mounkeo Oraboun, Minister of Information and Culture
H E Mr Sinlavong khoutphaytoon, Minister to the Prime Minister’s office, Head of the government Secretariat committee H E Ms Bounpheng Mounphosay, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office, Head the Public Administration and Civil Service Authority (PACSA)
H E Mr Soubanh Sritthirath, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.
H E Mr. Phongsavath Boupha, Minister to Presidential Palace’s Office
H E Dr Ponemek Daraloy, Minister of Public Health
H E Dr Phankham Viphavan, Minister of Education
H E Dr Nam Viyaket, Minister of Industry and Commerce
H E Mr Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Minister to the Prime Minister’s office, Head of the government Secretariat committee.
H E Mr Soulivong Daravong, Minister of Energy and Mining
H E Mr Sommath Pholsena, Minister of Public Works and Transport
H E Mr Onneua Phommachanh, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office
H E Mr Kham-ouan Boupha, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office
H E Dr Bounteim Phitsamai, Minister, Head of the Science, Technology and Environment Organisation
H E Mr Saisengly Tengbriaju, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office
H E Mr Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Head of the National Tourism Authority
H E Mr Bouasi Lorvansay, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office
H E Mr Khamluad Sitlakon, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, President of post &Communication
H E Mr Phouphet Khamphounvong, Minister of Finance
H E Mr Vilayvan Phomkhe, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
H E Mr somphao Faysith, Governor of Lao PDR Central Bank.
H E Dr Chaleun Yiapaoheu, Minister of Justice [1][2][3]
President of the National Assembly Mrs Pany Yathotou
Vice-President of the National Assembly Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane [4][5], Mr. Somphan Phengkhammy
President of Supreme Court Mr. Khamphanh Sithidampha
Supreme People’s Prosecutor Mr. Khamsane Souvong
Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party:
1.Lt General Choummaly Sayasone, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and State President.
2.Mr Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister (since 23 December 2010 )
3.Colonel Bounnhang Vorachith, Vice President of Lao People's Democratic Republic, Standing Member of the Secretariat.
4.Mrs Pany Yathotou, Chairwoman of the National Assembly (since 23 December 2010)
5.Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Party's National External Relations Committee.
6.Major General Asang Laoly, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Party's Central Inspection Committee.
7.Major General Douangchay Phichith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence
8.Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad, Standing Deputy Prime Minister
9.Dr. Bounpone Bouttanavong, chief of the party Central Committee office.
10.Dr. Bounthong Chitmany, chief of the party organization.
11.Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, education minister.
Secretariat of the Party Central Committee:
1. HE Mr Choummaly Sayasone
2. HE Mr Bounnhang Vorachit (PCC Standing Secretariat)
3. Dr Bounthong Chitmany
4. Dr Bounpone Bouttanavong
5. Dr Thongban Seng-aphone
6. Mr Chansy Phosikham
7. Mr Soukan Mahalath
8. Maj. Gen. Sengnuan Xayalath
9. Mr Cheuang Sombounkhanh
Inspection Committee of the Party Central Committee
1. Mr Bounthong Chitmany (President)
2. Mr Thongsy Ouanlasy
3. Mr Sinay Mienglavanh
4. Mr Khamsuan Chanthavong
5. Mr Thongsouk Bounyavong
6. Mr Singphet Bounsavatthiphan
7. Mr Bounpone Sangsomsak
Party Central Committee Advisor: Khamtai Siphandon
Laos is divided into 17 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality* ( nakhon luang vieng chan, singular and plural):
Attapu, Bokeo, Borikhamxay, Champassack, Houaphan, Khammouane, Louang Namtha, Louangphabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Saravane, Savannakhet, Saysomboune, Sekong, Vientiane*, Vientiane, Sayaboury, Xieng Khouang.