Laos Political Situation

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Laos Political Situation

Laos has known many years of colonisation, foreign occupation, civil war and political instability. In 1975, following the US withdrawal from Viet Nam, the Lao Communists consolidated their control of Laos, which culminated in the end of the monarchy and establishment of the Laos People's Democratic Republic in December.

The country is a nominally Marxist-Leninist state ruled by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of State is the President, elected by parliament for a five year term. The head of government is the Prime Minister, appointed by the President with parliamentary approval. The nine-member Politburo of the LPRP, drawn from its central committees, is the key decision making body. A National Assembly meets twice a year and is responsible for scrutinising proposed legislation. The Assembly is elected by the people from a list of candidates approved by the Party.

In August 1991, the National Assembly adopted a constitution which formalised the establishment of a market oriented economy, guaranteed the right of every Lao citizen to own property, and provided protection for foreign and direct investment. Indicators of the more open society that has emerged over the past decade include greater freedom to travel, choice of employment, and the development of a fledging private sector.

Political stability and one-party rule remain of paramount importance to the government. So while the Lao Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly, religion and speech, in practice political or other forms of dissent are not tolerated and dealt with harshly. Freedom of speech is severely constrained, as is the practice of religious faiths outside of Theravada Buddhism. While the human rights situation has improved somewhat, the government maintains tight control over the population to minimise the potential challenges to the ruling party.

The military has always been well represented in political life. The military's activities are diverse, including participation in reconstruction work and private business. Previous talk about a departure of the military from business has never eventuated.

A new government and legislature have been formed following the National Assembly election on 30 April 2006. Choummaly Sayasone, the head of the ruling communist Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), was appointed by the National Assembly to succeed Khamtay Siphandon as President in June 2006.