Laos issues new Constitution

Vientiane (VNA) – Lao President Choummaly Sayasone has recently signed a decree announcing the issuance of a new Constitution after its draft amendment was approved at the 10 th session of the seventh National Assembly.

This is the second time the Constitution has been revised since it was first launched in 1991. The first amendment was in 2003.

The 2015 Constitution has 14 chapters and 119 articles, three chapters and 21 articles more than the previous vision.

It stipulates that Laos is a democratic state with all powers belonging to the people, by the people and for the people and the National Assembly is the highest state power body.

It also clarifies the role of the National Assembly, the President and the Prime Minister. Accordingly, the President is permitted to hold office for not more than two consecutive terms.

People’s councils at the provincial level will be established to consider and approve major issues in localities as well as oversee the performance of local authorities.

They will also approve local socio-economic development and budget plans as well as the appointment and removal of provincial governors on the basis of recommendations by the councils’ standing committees.

The amendment of the Constitution aims to respond to the Party's renovation policies and the country's development vision until 2030. It also reflects the aspirations of Lao people for further national development, helping Laos escape from its underdeveloped status by 2020.-VNA