Election day set for February 22

The National Election Committee has announced February 22, 2026, as the date of the election of members of the 10th Legislature of the National Assembly and 5th Provincial People’s Councils, marking a new chapter in the country’s development and governance.
President Thongloun Sisoulith signed a presidential decree on Monday confirming the date, Vice President of the National Assembly and member of the National Election Committee, Prof. Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher, told a press conference on Wednesday.

Vice President of the National Assembly and member of the National Election Committee, Professor Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher.

Dr Chaleun said the election is a key event in the exercise of people’s power under the 2025 Constitution. Article 2 of the Constitution states that “state power belongs to the people, by the people, and for the benefit of the people”.
Voters will elect 175 members to the 10th Legislature of the National Assembly for a five-year term, up from 164 members in the current 9th Legislature, including 36 women. One member of parliament represents about 50,000 Lao citizens.
The vote will bring new representatives to the National Assembly and the Provincial People’s Councils, who will play vital roles in shaping the country’s development through laws, policies, socio-economic plans, and budgets.
The preliminary session of the new Legislature, as outlined in the Law on the National Assembly, will elect the country’s top leaders and approve issues of key national importance.
The inaugural meeting will include the election of the President and Vice President of the National Assembly, the State President and Vice Presidents, the Prime Minister, the Supreme Prosecutor, and the President of the People’s Supreme Court, as well as endorsing the new government cabinet.
The National Assembly will also approve the five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030.
Dr Chaleun urged provincial authorities to start preparing for the election of members to Provincial People’s Councils.
People of all ethnicities with voting rights will cast ballots nationwide on the same day to choose representatives, whose mandates are to safeguard national and provincial interests.
The National Election Committee said publicity around the elections will continue until January 7 to help members of the public understand the procedures and enable them to exercise their right to vote.
Dr Chaleun said the signing of the presidential decree on December 1 has its roots in a significant moment in Laos’ history.
On December 1, 1975, the National Congress of People’s Representatives held its opening session. On December 2, 1975, the Congress declared the end of the monarchical regime and established the people’s democratic regime, opening up a new era of independence and freedom for people of all ethnicities.
The Party stipulates that the election process must ensure wide participation across genders, ethnicities, sectors, and age groups. At least 35 percent of candidates must be women, with the Party aiming for not less than 30 percent of elected members to be female.
Candidates must also reflect the country’s ethnic diversity. Candidate lists must include representatives from Party and State bodies, mass organisations, the defence and security sectors, educational institutions, and state and private enterprises.
Age groups must also be balanced, with 15-20 percent of candidates to be aged 45 and below, 35-45 percent to be aged 46-55, 25-30 percent to be aged 56-60, and 10-15 percent to be over the age of 60.
The Party also stresses political integrity, moral character, capability, experience, and good health as essential criteria for all nominees.

By Phonepaseuth Volakhoun
(Latest Update December 4, 2025)