LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

PEACE INDEPENDENCE DEMOCRACY UNITY PROSPERITY

********************

National Assembly No. 63/NA

Vientiane, 08 December 2015

CONSTITUTION
OF THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
(REVISED 2015)

PREAMBLE

The multi-ethnic Lao people have existed and developed on this beloved land for
thousands of years. Starting from the middle of the 14th century, during the time of Chao Fa
Ngum, our ancestors founded the unified Lane Xang country and built it into a prosperous
land. Since the 18th century, the Lao land has been repeatedly threatened and invaded by
outside powers. Our people enhanced the heroic and unyielding traditions of their ancestors and
continually and persistently fought to gain independence and freedom.

Since the 1930’s, under the correct leadership of the former Indochinese Communist
Party and the present Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the multi-ethnic Lao people have
carried out difficult and arduous struggles full of great sacrifices until they managed to
crush the yokes of domination and oppression of the colonial and feudal regimes, completely
liberate the country and establish the Lao People's Democratic Republic on 2 December
1975, thus opening a new era – an era of genuine independence for the country and freedom
for the people.

During [the years] since the country has been liberated, our people have together been
implementing the two strategic tasks of defending and building the country, especially the
undertaking of reforms in order to mobilize the resources within the nation to preserve the
people’s democratic regime and create conditions to move towards socialism.

Now, in this new period, the social life requires that the State must have a
constitution. This Constitution is the constitution of the people's democratic regime in our
country. It recognizes the great achievements of our people in the course of their struggles for
national liberation [and their] protection and construction of the country[,] and [it] defines
1
the political regime, the socio-economic system, the regimes of national security, defence and
foreign affairs, the rights and obligations of citizens and the system of organization of state
apparatus in the new period. This is the first time in the history of our nation that the right
of self-determination of the people has been defined in the fundamental law of the country.

This Constitution is the fruit of the process of the people's discussions throughout the
country. It reflects the long-standing aspirations and strong determination of the national
community to strive together to fulfil the objective of building Laos into a country of peace,
independence, democracy, unity and prosperity.

Chapter I
The Political Regime

Article 1. The Lao People's Democratic Republic is an independent country with

sovereignty and territorial integrity over its territorial waters and airspace. It is a
unified country belonging to all multi-ethnic people and is indivisible.

Article 2. The State of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is a people's democratic state.
All powers belong to the people, [and are exercised] by the people, for the
interests of the multi-ethnic people of all social strata with the workers, farmers
and intelligentsia as key components.

Article 3. The rights of the multi-ethnic people to be the masters of the country are
exercised and ensured through the functioning of the political system with the
Lao People's Revolutionary Party as its leading nucleus.

Article 4. (Amended) The people are to elect representatives, namely the National
Assembly and Local Administration, to ensure that their rights, powers and
benefits are addressed.

The election of members of the National Assembly shall be carried out through
the principles of universal equal direct suffrage and secret balloting.

Voters reserve the right to propose the removal of their own representatives if
they are found to b ehave in a way unbefitting their [honourable positions] and
to lose the people's faith.

Article 5. (Amended) The National Assembly, local administrations and other state
organisations are established and function in accordance with the principle of
2
 democratic centralism.

Article 6. (Amended) The State protects the freedom and democratic rights of the people
which cannot be violated by anyone. All state organisations and government
officials must inform and create awareness of all policies, regulations and laws
among the people and, together with the people, organise their implementation
in order to guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of the people.

All acts of bureaucratism and harassment that can be detrimental to the people’s
honour, physical well-being, lives, consciences and property are prohibited.

Article 7. (Amended) The Lao Front for National Construction, the union of the retired
army, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth
Union, the Lao Women's Union and other social organisations are the organs to
unite and mobilise all strata of the multi-ethnic people to take part in the tasks
of protection and construction of the country; to develop the right of self-
determination of the people and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of
members of their respective organisations.

Article 8. (Amended) The State pursues the policy of promoting unity and equality among
all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups have the right to protect, preserve and promote
the fine customs and cultures of their own tribes and of the nation. All acts
creating division and discrimination among ethnic groups are prohibited.

The State implements every measure to gradually develop and upgrade the socio-
economic levels of all ethnic groups.

Article 9. (Amended) The State respects and protects all lawful activities of Buddhists and
of followers of other religions, [and] mobilises and encourages Buddhist monks
and novices as well as the priests of other religions to participate in activities that
are beneficial to the country and people.

All acts creating division between religions and classes of people are prohibited.

Article 10. (Amended) The State governs the society through the provisions of the
Constitution and the laws.

Party and state organisations, the Lao Front for National Construction, mass
organisations, social organisations and all citizens must function within the bounds
of the Constitution and the laws.

Article 11. (Amended) The State implements in all aspects the policy of national defence
and security with the participation of all people, improving and building the
3
 national defence and security forces to enhance their loyalty to the country and
people; [to enhance] their ability to carry out the duty to protect the gains of the
revolution, [and] the lives, properties and labour of the people; and to contribute
to the tasks of national development in order to progress to enrichment and
strength.

Article 12. The Lao People's Democratic Republic pursues a foreign policy of peace,
independence, friendship and cooperation, and promotes relations and
cooperation with all countries on the basis of the [following] principles: peaceful
coexistence; respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial
integrity; non-interference in each other's internal affairs; and equality and
mutual benefit.

The Lao People's Democratic Republic supports the struggle of the world’s
people for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress.

Chapter II
The Socio-Economic Regime

Article 13. (Amended) The national economy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic relies
on a stable multi-sectorial economy which is encouraged [by the government; such
economy shall] expand manufacturing capacity, broaden production, businesses and
services, transform the natural economy into a trading and manufacturing economy,
and modernise; [while] combining with regional and global economies to stabilise
and develop the national economy continuously and to improve the material and
spiritual living conditions of the multi-ethnic people.
Article 14. The State promotes the investment by all domestic economic sectors in
production, businesses and services, to contribute to the industrial
transformation and modernization of, and to develop and strengthen, the national
economy.

Article 15. (Amended) The State promotes foreign investment in the Lao People's
Democratic Republic, [and] creates favourable conditions for the injection of
capital, for the use of technology and for introducing modern types of
management into production, businesses and services.

The lawful assets and capital of investors in the Lao People’s Democratic
Republic shall not be confiscated, seized or nationalised by the State.

Article 16. The State protects and promotes all forms of property rights: State, collective,
private domestic and foreign investment in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
4
Article 17. (Amended) The State protects the property rights (such as the rights of possession,
use, usufruct and disposition) and the inheritance rights of organisations and
individuals.
All lands, minerals, water sources, atmospheres, forests, natural products, aquatic
and wild animals, and other natural resources are a national heritage, and the State
ensures the rights to use, transfer and inherit it in accordance with the laws.
Article 18. (Amended) The State manages the economy in accordance with the mechanism
of the market economy regulated by the State, to implement the principle of
combining centralised management through the consensus of central authorities
with the delegation of responsibilities to local authorities in accordance with the
laws and regulations.

Article 19. (Amended) The State supports the protection, restoration, and development of
natural resources with the aim to archive sustainable environmental goals.

All organisations and citizens must pursuit the protection of the environment,
biodiversity, and natural resources.

Article 20. (Amended) The Lao People’s Democratic Republic implements open policies
on economic cooperation with foreign countries in different ways, on a
multilateral basis and in different forms on the basis of the [following]
principles: respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, equality and
mutual benefit.

Article 21. (Amended) The State attaches great importance to the development of the
economy in conjunction with cultural and social development by giving priority
to human resource development.

Article 22. (Amended) The State attends to developing education and implements
compulsory primary education in order to build good citizens with revolutionary
competence, knowledge and abilities.

The State and society attend to developing high quality national education, to
create opportunities and [favourable] conditions in education for all people
throughout the country, especially people in remote areas, ethnic groups, women
and disadvantaged children.

The State promotes private sector investment in the development of national

education in accordance with the laws.
5
Article 23. The State promotes preservation of the national culture which is representative of
the fine tradition of the country and its ethnic people while accepting selected
progressive cultures from around the world.

The State promotes cultural activities, fine arts and invention, manages and
protects the cultural, historical and natural heritage and maintains antiques and
historical places.

The State attends to improving and expanding mass media activities for the
purpose of national protection and development.

All cultural and mass media activities which are detrimental to national interests
or the fine traditional culture and dignity of Lao people are prohibited.

Article 24. (Amended) The State attends to promoting knowledge and invention in
scientific and technological research and application, [and to] protecting
intellectual property while building up a community of scientists to promote
industrialisation and modernisation.

Article 25. (Amended) The State attends to improving and expanding public health
services to take care of the people’s health.

The State and society attend to building and improving disease prevention systems
and providing health care to all people, creating conditions to ensure that all people
have access to health care, especially women and children, poor people and people
in remote areas, to ensure people’s good health.

The State promotes private sector investment in public health services in

accordance with the laws and regulations.
All unlawful public health services are prohibited.

Article 26. The State and society attend to encouraging, supporting and investing in public
sports activities, including traditional and international sports, [in order to]
upgrade abilities in sport and to strengthen people’s health.

Article 27. The State and society attend to developing skilled labour, upgrading labour
discipline, promoting vocational skills and occupations and protecting the
legitimate rights and benefits of workers.

6
Article 28. The State and society attend to implementing policies on social security,
especially towards national heroes, soldiers, retired civil servants, disabled
people, [and the] families of those who have sacrificed their lives for the
revolution and who have contributed extensively to the nation.

Article 29. The State, society and families attend to implementing development policies and
supporting the progress of women and to protecting the legitimate rights and
benefits of women and children.

Article 30. (Amended) The State and society promote, develop and [open up the country
to] cultural and historical tourism and eco-tourism.

Tourism which is detrimental to the fine culture of the nation or which

contravenes the laws and regulations of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is
prohibited.

Chapter III
National Defence and Security

Article 31. (Amended) National defence and security are duties of the national defence and
security forces. They are the obligations of all organisations and Lao citizens
who must protect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the
nation, protecting lives and people's property, [and] ensuring a stable and
sustainable people’s democracy.

National defence and security are carried out in parallel with socio- economic
development.

Article 32. (Amended) The national defence and security forces must improve and
strengthen themselves, enhance their loyalty to the nation, serve as the people's
military force with real revolutionary spirit, [observe] strict rules and modern
plans, having high military competence and be the main forces to ensure
national stability, peace and social order.

The State attends to supplying materials, techniques, technology, means and

equipment to and upgrading the knowledge, ability, professional skills, strategy
and tactics of the national defence and security forces.

Article 33. The State and society attend to implementing policies to ensure that the physical
and mental condition of the national defence and security forces is well
7
 maintained and to providing incentives to rear echelons of the national defence
and security forces to increase the capacity to protect the nation and maintain
peace in the society.

The national defence and security forces must endeavour to become self-reliant
and build up a strong military department in order to ensure implementation of
tasks and contribution to national development.

Chapter IV
Fundamental Rights and Obligations of Citizens

Article 34. (Amended) Lao citizens are persons who hold Lao nationality as provided by
the laws. The State acknowledge, respect, protect, and guarantee the human rights
including fundamental rights of the citizen in accordance to the law.

Article 35. Lao citizens are all equal before the law irrespective of their gender, social
status, education, beliefs and ethnic group.

Article 36. (Amended) Lao citizens aged eighteen years and above have the right to vote
and those aged twenty years and above have the right to be elected, except
insane persons, persons with mental disorders and persons whose rights to vote
and to be elected have been revoked by a court.

Article 37. Citizens of both genders enjoy equal rights in the political, economic, cultural
and social fields and in family affairs.

Article 38. (Amended) Lao citizens have the right to receive education, knowledge and skills
development.
Article 39. Lao citizens have the right to work and engage in occupations which are not
contrary to the laws. Working people have the right to rest, to receive medical
treatment in times of illness, [and] to receive assistance in the event of incapacity
or disability, in old age, and in other cases as provided by the laws.

Article 40. Lao citizens have the freedom of settlement and movement as provided by the
laws.

Article 41. (Amended) Lao citizens have the right to file complaints and petitions and to
propose ideas to the relevant State organisations in connection with issues
8
 pertaining to the public interest or to their own rights and interests.

Complaints, petitions and ideas of citizens must be examined and resolved as

provided by the laws.

Article 42. (Amended) The right of Lao citizens by their lives, bodies, dignities and shelters
are inviolable. Lao citizens cannot be arrested or searched without warrant order
from the Public Prosecutor or the people's courts, unless otherwise enforced by
the laws.

Article 43. (Amended) Lao citizens have the right and freedom to believe or not to believe
in religions.

Article 44. Lao citizens have the right and freedom of speech, press and assembly; and have
the right to set up associations and to stage demonstrations which are not contrary
to the laws.

Article 45. (Amended) Lao citizens have the right and freedom to conduct studies in and
to apply advanced sciences, techniques and technologies; to create artistic and
literary works [;] and to engage in cultural activities which are not contrary to the
laws.

Article 46. The State protects the legitimate rights and interests of Lao citizens residing
abroad.

Article 47. (Amended) Lao citizens have the obligation to respect the Constitution and
the laws, to observe labour discipline, [and to comply with] the regulations
relating to social life and public order.

Article 48. Lao citizens have the obligation to pay duties and taxes in accordance with the
laws.

Article 49. Lao citizens have the obligation to defend the country, to maintain the security
and to fulfil military service obligations as provided by the laws.

Article 50. (Amended) The rights and freedoms of aliens and apatrids are protected by the laws
of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. They have the right to file claims,
prosecute, sue, or request for justice in the courts and [to lodge petitions with] other
concerned organisations of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

9
 Aliens and apartids who exert great contribution in the protection and building of
the nation shall earn the right to be rewarded a citizenship of the Lao People's
Democratic Republic.
Article 51. The Lao People's Democratic Republic grants asylum to foreigners who are
persecuted for their struggle for freedom, justice, peace and scientific causes.

Chapter V
National Assembly

Article 52. (Amended) The National Assembly is the representative of the rights, powers
and interests of the multi-ethnic people. The National Assembly is also the
legislative branch that has the right to make decisions on fundamental issues
of the country, [and] to oversee the activities of the executive organs, the
people's courts and the Office of the Public Prosecutor.

Article 53. (Amended) The National Assembly has the following rights and duties:
1. To consider and adopt the Constitution and Laws;
2. To consider and adopt strategic plans, socio-economic development plans,
State budget plans and amendment procedure;
3. To consider and adopt fundamental financial policy, monetary, budget deficit
percentage, national debts percentage, and public debts percentage;
4. To consider and adopt the determination, amendment or abrogation of
taxes and duties;
5. To monitor and ensure all state-owned organisation respects and practice the
constitution and laws;
6. To elect or remove the President, the Vice-President and members of the
National Assembly Standing Committee;
7. To elect or remove the President and Vice-President of the State based on the
recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee;
8. To elect or remove the Prime Minister based on the recommendation of the
President of the State;
9. To elect or remove the President of the People's Supreme Court, the Supreme
Public Prosecutor, and the President of the state-audit organisation based on the
recommendation of the President of the State;
10. To consider and approve the appointment, re-assignment, or removal of the
President, vice-president, and the secretary of the National Assembly based on
the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee;
11. To consider and approve the appointment, re-assignment, or removal of the
Deputy Prime Minister and state members based on the recommendation of the
Prime Minister;

10
 12. To consider and approve the appointment, re-assignment, or removal of People’s
Supreme Court judiciary members based on the recommendation of the
President of People’s Supreme Court;
13. To consider and approve the composition of the National Assembly structure,
the establishment, division, and reunification of the National Assembly’s
Secretariats Committee;
14. To decide on the establishment or dissolution of the ministries, ministry-
equivalent organisations, provincial authorities and city authorities based on
the recommendation of the Prime Minister;
15. To consider and approve the arrangement on provincial boundaries including
Vientiane municipality based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister;
16. To consider and approve the dissolution of the provincial’s representative office
if such office causes unbeneficial damage to the nation and the people;
17. To decide on granting amnesties based on recommendation of the National
Assembly Standing Committee;
18. To decide, ratify, revoke, or withdraw from treaties and agreements between Lao
PDR and its counterparts, and other state-level treaties based on the
recommendation of the Prime Minister;
19. To decide and ratify issues relating to war or peace activities based on the
recommendation of the President;
20. To consider the abrogation of legal articles that are contradicted to the
constitution or laws excluding the conviction made by legislative body and the
People’s court;
21. To grant the National Assembly Standing Committee rights to decide on tasks
required urgent decision and report back to the National Assembly’s meeting.

Article 54. (Amended) The term of office of each National Assembly legislature is five years.
Members of the National Assembly are elected by the Lao citizens in accordance
with the laws.

The election of a new National Assembly legislature must be completed no

later than sixty days prior to the expiration of the term of office of the incumbent
National Assembly [legislature].

In the case of war or any other circumstance that obstructs the election, an
[incumbent] National Assembly [legislature] may extend its term of office but
it must carry out the election of the new National Assembly no later than six
months after the situation returns to normal.

If deemed necessary by the vote of at least two-thirds of all members of the

National Assembly attending the session, such [incumbent] National Assembly

11
 [legislature] may carry out the election of [new] members prior to the expiration
of its term.
Article 55. (Amended) The National Assembly elects its own Standing Committee which
consists of the President, the Vice-President and a number of members.

The President and Vice-President of the National Assembly are also the
President and Vice-President of the National Assembly Standing Committee.

Article 56. (Amended) The National Assembly Standing Committee has the following rights
and duties:
1. To prepare for the National Assembly meeting sessions;
2. To create, interpret and explain the provisions of the Constitution and the laws;
3. To draft the President’s edicts and decree;
4. To appoint, transfer or remove judges of the Supreme Courts including
President, Vice-President of the People’s Court based on the recommendation
made by the President of the Supreme Court;
5. To appoint a National Election Committee;
6. To certify treaties and agreements at state level whereas Lao PDR is a
counterpart based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister;
7. To accept and consider complaint cases filed by citizens.
Article 57. (Amended) The National Assembly convenes its ordinary session twice a year
at the summons of the National Assembly Standing Committee.

The National Assembly Standing Committee may convene an extraordinary

session of the National Assembly if it deems it necessary.

National Assembly sessions shall be convened only with the presence of more
than one-half of the total number of the National Assembly members.

Article 58. (New) The Resolution of the National Assembly shall be valid only when
they are voted for by more than one-half of the number of the National Assembly
members present at the session, except as otherwise provided in Articles 54,
66, 68 and 118 of this Constitution.

Article 59. (Amended) The organisations and entities that possess rights to the drafting of
laws are as follows:
1. The President of the State;
2. The National Assembly Standing Committee;
3. The Government;
4. The Office of the Supreme Public Prosecutor;
12
 5. The People's Supreme Court;
6. The State-Audit Organisation;
7. The Lao Front for National Construction and the mass organisations at the
central level.

Article 60. (Amended) Laws already adopted by the National Assembly must be
promulgated by the President of the State no later than thirty days after their
adoption. During this period, the President of the State has the right to
request the National Assembly to reconsider [such laws]. If the National
Assembly affirms its previous decision after reconsidering such laws, the
President of the State must promulgate them within fifteen days.

All Laws that are already promulgated by the President shall be deemed effective
only with the official notification letter within fifteen days unless otherwise stated
by the specific law.

Article 61. (Amended) Questions relating to the destiny of the country and the vital interests
of the people must be submitted [for the approval of] the National Assembly, or
the National Assembly Standing Committee during the recess of the National
Assembly.

Article 62. (Amended) The National Assembly establishes its own committees to consider
draft laws and draft presidential edicts for submission to the National Assembly
Standing Committee and the President of the State; and assists the National
Assembly and the National Assembly Standing Committee in exercising
oversight of the activities of the executive organs, the people's courts and the
[Office of the] Public Prosecutor.

Article 63. (Amended) Members of the National Assembly have the right to interpellate
the Prime Minister or [other] members of the government, the President of
the People's Supreme Court and the Supreme Public Prosecutor. Persons
interpellated must give oral or written answers at the National Assembly
session.

Article 64. (Amended) Members of the National Assembly shall not be prosecuted in court
or detained without the approval of the National Assembly, or the National
Assembly Standing Committee during the recess of the National Assembly.

In cases involving manifest or urgent offences, the organisation which has

detained the member of the National Assembly must immediately report to the
National Assembly or to the National Assembly Standing Committee during a
recess of the National Assembly for consideration and decision [on further action
concerning the member]. Investigations shall not [be conducted in such a manner

13
 as to] prevent a prosecuted member from attending National Assembly sessions.

Chapter VI
The President of the State

Article 65. (Amended) The President of the State is the Head of State of the Lao People's
Democratic Republic and the representative of the multi-ethnic Lao people
both within the country and abroad; The President of the State is also the head of
national defence and national security, the general of the armed civilian army for
independent protection, democracy, defending the homeland and securing peace
and stability of the nation.

Article 66. (Amended) The President of the State is elected by the National Assembly with
two-thirds of the votes of all members of the National Assembly attending the
session.
The term of office of the President of the State is the same as the term of office
of the National Assembly.
The term of office of the President shall not exceeds two terms of office.
The President resides in the Office of the President.

Article 67. (Amended) The President of the State has the following rights and duties:
1. To promulgate the Constitution and laws;
2. To issue presidential edicts and decrees;
3. To facilitate government’s special session, and attend the National Assembly
Standing Committee special sessions;
4. To appoint or remove the Deputy Prime Minister and members of the
government upon the approval of the National Assembly;
5. To appoint or remove the Vice-President of the People's Supreme Court,
the Deputy Supreme Public Prosecutor, the President of State-Audit
Organisation based on the recommendation of the President or Head of the
organisation involved;
6. To promote or demote high ranking generals in the national defence and
security forces based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister;
7. To appoint or remove the Head of President Office with minister-equivalent
position.
8. To appoint and recall plenipotentiary representatives of the Lao People's
Democratic Republic to or from foreign countries based on the
recommendation of the Prime Minister, and to accept the plenipotentiary
representatives of foreign countries accredited to the Lao People's
Democratic Republic;
9. To appoint the national election committee, assign the election dates, number
14
 of candidates, number of National Assembly members including provincial
levels based on the recommendation by the National Assembly Standing
Committee.
10. To decide the declaration of war or peace-act based on the recommendation
of the National Assembly. To decide on general or partial military
conscription and to declare states of emergency all over the country or in any
particular locality;
11. To decide on conferring national gold medals, orders of merit, medals of
victory and the highest honorific titles of the State and other form of awards
based on the recommendation made by the Prime Minister;
12. To decide on granting amnesty based on the recommendation made by the
government which will become effective after the approval of the National
Assembly;
13. To decide and approve foreign asylum movement due to political reasons.
14. To engage in negotiation or undersign the treaties, foreign treaties on behalf
of the state, issue the ratification of or [secession from] treaties and
agreements signed with foreign countries;

Article 68. (Amended) The President of the State may have a Vice-President as elected by
the National Assembly with the votes of more than two-third of the number of
National Assembly members attending the session.

The Vice-President of the State executes all tasks assigned by the President
of the State and acts on behalf of the President of the State in case the President
is occupied on other matters.

In the event of the President of the state inability to perform duties and
responsibilities, the Vice-President shall assume the role on behalf of the President
until the National Assembly elects new President of the state.

Chapter VII
Government

Article 69. (Amended) The government is the executive branch of the State having full rights
on the complete management and supervision nationwide.
The government administers the National Assembly and the President of the State.

Article 70. (Amended) The government has the following rights and duties:
1. To implement the Constitution, the laws, the resolutions of the National
Assembly, the resolution of the National Assembly Standing Committee, the
presidential edicts and decrees;
15
 2. To submit draft laws and presidential edicts to the National Assembly
Standing Committee and [to submit] draft presidential decrees to the President
of the State;
3. To issue decrees and resolutions on State administration, socio-economic
management, [and] management in the fields of science and technology,
natural resources, environment, national defence and security, and foreign
affairs;
4. To determine strategic plans on socio-economic development and annual
State budgets and to submit them to the National Assembly for consideration
and approval;
5. To submit for approval on the founding, uniting, isolating, or suspend of
Ministry, state organisation equivalent to Ministry, provincial level, Vientiane
Municipality level, and to define border mapping of provincial and Vientiane
capital;
6. To approve the founding or cancelling of division, sectorial, or state-equivalent
organisation;
7. To approve the founding or cancelling of city, urban, municipality, and the
border scopes upon approval of provincial level representative meeting;
8. To approve the founding or cancelling of special-economic zone and allocated-
economic zone;
9. To supervise, monitor, and audit activities performed by different division,
local supervision units, and the national defence and security forces;
10. To approve the granting or revoking nationality, discard nationality, or
returning of a Lao nationality;
11. To grant foreigners a prioritised citizenship status;
12. To compose, involve, interpret, implement the treaties and agreements entered
by the Lao PDR and international treaties at government’s level;
13. To suspend the implementation, elimination or cancellation of agreement,
order, ministry’s recommendation, other government supervision organisations
and local administrative organisations which are contradicted to the law or
other regulations except the resolution by the supreme public prosecutor and
people’s supreme court;
14. To report all activities to the National Assembly, National Assembly Standing
Committee, and the President of the state.

Article 71. (Amended) The government consists of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime
Minister[s], ministers and chairmen of the ministry-equivalent organisations.

The term of office of the government is the same as the term of office of the
National Assembly. Government member’s term of office shall not exceed two
consecutive terms.

Article 72. (New) The Prime Minister is the head of the government, and represents the
16
 government in leading and managing the work of the government and local
administration organisations; having rights to appoint, transfer, or remove the vice-
minister, the deputy head of ministry-equivalent, head of division, deputy head of
division, head of sectorial; appoint or remove provincial governor, Vientiane
Governor, upon the approval of the provincial representatives meeting, propose the
rewarding or degrading high rank of generals, promoting or demoting colonels of
the national defence and security.

Article 73. (New) The Deputy Prime Ministers are the assistants of the Prime Minister and
execute the tasks assigned to them by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister may
assign a particular Deputy Prime Minister to carry out work on his behalf in the
event that he is [occupied on other matters].

Article 74. (New) The minister and ministry-equivalent organisation shall disseminate and
implement the resolution of the National Assembly, National Assembly Standing
Committee and government’s resolutions; supervise, monitor and audit all tasks
under the responsibility; participate, coordinate, signing of agreements and treaties
with foreign countries as approved by the government.

Article 75. (Amended) The National Assembly may pass a vote of distrust in the government
or any member of the government if the National Assembly Standing Committee
votes one-fourth of the total number of National Assembly members raises the
issue.

In case of the National Assembly decides to file for distrust to the government or
any member of the government, the President of the state reserves the right to
request National Assembly to reinvestigate and reconsider such case or approve
the resignation of the member.

Charter VIII
The Local Administration

Article 76. (New) The Local Administration is the organisation that represent rights and
benefit of the multi-ethnic citizens, having powers and responsibilities to
consider important legal regulations, solving fundamental local disputes,
monitoring activities performed by the local administration organs.

The Local Administration is founded under proper supervision of the local

supervision organisations, and is divided into provincial levels, city levels, and
village levels. The city and village level local administrations may be founded
under the approval of the National Assembly.

The provincial level of local administration has an office term equal to the
17
 National Assembly’s term.

Article 77. (New) The local administration has the following rights and duties:
1. To consider and approve social-economic plans and budgetary plans at
provincial level based on the recommendation of the provincial governor, and
Chief of Municipality;
2. To consider and approve important provincial level’s regulations;
3. To ensure that the implementation of the Constitution and the laws are
exercised out by local organisations;
4. To appoint or remove the Head, Deputy Head, and provincial local
government standing committee;
5. To consider and approve the local government’s working mechanism;
6. To appoint or remove the provincial governor, Chief of municipality based on
the recommendation made by the Provincial local administration standing
committee.
7. To consider and approve the provincial supervision organisation structure
based on the recommendation of the provincial governor and Chief of
municipality. To appoint, reassign, or remove provincial deputy governor,
Vientiane municipality deputy governor, Head of department, head of state-
equivalent organisation at provincial level;
8. To consider and approve the founding, uniting, isolating, suspending of
departments and state department-equivalent organisations based on the
recommendation of the provincial governor and Chief of municipality;
9. To consider and approve the appointment or removal of the Head of public
prosecutor, Head of the local people’s court based on the recommendation
made by the provincial administrative standing committee;
10. To consider and approve the founding or cancelling of city, municipality,
capitol, the border mapping for provincial, municipality, and capitol based on
the recommendation of the provincial governor, [and] Chief of municipality;
11. To suspend or cancel the resolution, order, recommendation, or other legal
documentations under the jurisdiction that are contradicted to the law, except
the resolution on the involvement of cases made by the public prosecutor and
the people’s court;
12. To alter rights to the provincial administration standing committee to decide
on important and urgent matters and shall report to the provincial
administration meeting.

Article 78. (New) The Local Administrative Standing Committee is the provincial level
people’s organisation performing duties on behalf of the local administration while
not on sessions.

The local administrative standing committee is composed of the President, Vice-

President, and the committee members.

18
 The President and Vice-President of the local administration is also the President
and Vice-President of local administrative standing committee.

Article 79. (New) The local administrative standing committee has the following rights and
duties:
1. To prepare for session of the local administrations;
2. To consider to appoint, reassign, suspend deputy governor, deputy chief of
municipality;
3. To consider and approve the appointment, reassignment, or suspension of the
vice-president and judges of the local people’s court based on the
recommendation of the President of appellate court;
4. To accept and consider court cases filed by the people within the jurisdiction;

Article 80. (New) The local administration can call for an ordinary assembly twice a year or
call for session in special cases.

The general assembly of the local administration can only be organised with the
present of one-half of its total members.

Article 81. (New) The resolution of the local administration will be deemed valid only if the
votes exceed half of its members attending the general assembly.

Article 82. (New) The local administration appoints its own steering committee to serve as
secretary to the provincial level administration and provincial level administrative
standing committee for the implementation of tasks within its jurisdiction.

Article 83. (New) Members of provincial administration have rights to question the activity
performed by the provincial governor, chief of municipality, head of department,
department-equivalent organisation, city mayor, head of district, head of village,
president of the supreme public prosecutor, president of the local people’s court,
and the preventative of the related audit organisation.

Persons interpellated must give oral or written answers at the provincial

administration session.

Article 84. (New) Members of local administration shall not be prosecuted in court or detained
without the approval of the provincial level administration or local administrative
standing committee during the recess of the provincial administration.

In cases involving manifest or urgent offences, the organisation which has detained the
member of the local administration must immediately report to the provincial
administration or to the provincial administrative standing committee for
consideration.

19
 Investigations shall not [be conducted in such a manner as to] prevent a prosecuted
member from attending provincial administration sessions.

Charter IX
The Local Authorities

Article 85. The Lao People's Democratic Republic is divided into three levels of local
authorities, namely provinces, districts and villages.

If necessary, the local authority shall be founded based on the approval of the
National Assembly.

Article 86. (New) The Local Authority is the supervision organisation having duties and
responsibilities in the complete management and equality within its jurisdiction.

The Local authorities holds responsibilities towards the government and local
administrations. Provinces are [governed by] governors, cities are [governed by]
governors of cities, districts are [governed by] mayors, municipalities are
[governed by] chiefs of municipalities and villages are [administered by] village
chiefs.

The deputy governor assists the provincial governor, the deputy chief of
municipality assists the chief of municipality, deputy city governor assists the
governor of city, vice-mayor assists the mayor, and deputy village chief assists the
village chief.

Provincial governors, chief of municipality, city governors, mayors, and village

chiefs shall remain in position not exceeding two consecutive office terms.

Article 87. (Amended) The governors of provinces and chief of municipality have the
following rights and duties:
1. To ensure the implementation of the Constitution and the laws, resolution of
the National Assembly, resolution of the provincial administration, resolution
of the Provincial Administrative Standing Committee, and legal document
issued by higher-level authorities;
2. To consider and approve social-economic plans, provincial and Vientiane
municipality budgetary plans and report to the provincial administration;
3. To manage, supervise, monitor activities performed by different division under
its jurisdiction;
4. To appoint, reassign, or suspend provincial governors, city governors, mayors
upon the approval of provincial administrative standing committee;
5. To appoint, reassign, or suspend deputy governors, deputy city governors, vice-
mayors based on the recommendation of provincial governor, city governor,
20
 and mayors.
6. To consider the founding, uniting, isolating, cancelling village; deciding on the
mapping of village border based on the recommendation of provincial
governor, city governor, and mayor.
7. To appoint, reassign, or suspend deputy head of department, deputy head of
department-equivalent organisation based on the recommendation of the Head
of state department-equivalent organisation.
8. To suspend or cancel the resolution, order, recommendation, or other legal
documentations of all divisions under the jurisdiction that are contradicted to
the law, except the resolution on the involvement of cases made by the public
prosecutor and the local people’s court;
9. To supervise the management of political, economic, social-economic, natural
resources, environment, national defence and security, and foreign affairs;
10. To supervise, consider, and solve issues proposed by the people;
11. To summarise activities performed to the provincial administration, Provincial
Administrative Standing Committee and to the Prime Minister.

Article 88. (New) The city governors, district governors, and mayors have the following
duties and responsibilities:
1. To ensure the implementation of the Constitution and the laws, resolution of
the provincial administration and legal document issued by higher-level
authorities;
2. To consider and approve social-economic plans and city, district budgetary
plans and report to the provincial governor, chief of municipality;
3. To manage, supervise, monitor activities performed by different division
under its jurisdiction;
4. To appoint, reassign, or suspend head of administrative and other
administrative positions of city, district, and municipality levels;
5. To supervise the management of political, economic, social-economic, natural
resources, environment, national defence and security, and foreign affairs at
city, district, municipality levels;
6. To supervise, consider, and solve issues proposed by the people;
7. To suspend or cancel the resolution, order, and recommendation of all
divisions and state-equivalent organisation under the jurisdiction of city,
district, municipality, and entity hereunder that are contradicted to the law,
except the resolution on the involvement of cases made by the public
prosecutor and the local people’s court;
8. To summarise activities performed to the provincial governor, chief of
municipality, and local administrative standing committee.

Article 89. (Amended) The Chief of village has the responsibility to ensure the
implementation of Constitution, laws, regulations, and to lead the people towards
development on social-economic, natural resources protection, environmental
protection, defence and security, create peace and order, provide education, and to
21
 enhance unity among the people creating village with development goals.

Charter X
People’s Courts and Public Prosecutors

Article 90. (Amended) The People’s court is the judiciary branch of the State; and the only
entity that possess consideration rights to examine and review cases within the
Lao’s People Democratic Republic.

The People’s court consists of first level court, appeal court, and the Supreme
Court.

Article 91. (Amended) The People’s Court of the Lao’s People Democratic Republic is
composed of People’s Supreme Court, People’s provincial courts and city courts,
and Military courts as specified by the law.

In necessary case, the court maybe summoned based on the approval by the
National Assembly Standing Committee.

Article 92. (Amended) The People’s Supreme Court is the highest judicial organ of the State.
The People's Supreme Court administers the people's courts at all levels and the
military courts, and examines and reviews the decisions reached by them.

Article 93. (Amended) The Vice-President of the People's Supreme Court is appointed or
removed by the President of the State.

Judges of the People's Supreme Court; the president, vice-president and judges of
appellate courts are appointed or removed by the National Assembly Standing
Committee.

Article 94. The people's courts make decisions in panels. In their adjudication, judges must
be independent and strictly comply with the laws.

Article 95. Cases shall be conducted in open court proceedings except if otherwise provided
by the laws.

Article 96. (New) The Plaintiffs and the Defendants have the right to defend themselves in all
courts. Defendants have the right to defend themselves or with the help of guardian
or a lawyers. Lawyers have the right to provide legal assistance to the Plaintiffs
and defendants.

Article 97. Representatives of social organisations have the right to take part in court
22
 proceedings as provided by the laws.

Article 98. (Amended) Decisions reached by the people's courts, when final, must be
respected by Party organisations, State organisations, the Lao Front for National
Construction, mass organisations, social organisations, international
organisations, and all citizens, and must be implemented by the concerned
individuals and organisations.

Article 99. (Amended) The Office of the Supreme Public Prosecutor is an organisation that
supervises the implementation of laws with respect by all citizens, for the
protection of rights and benefits of social and individual and to exercise rights in
the calling of defendant to the court in accordance to the law.

Article 100. (Amended) The Office of the Public Prosecutor of Lao People’s Democratic
Republic is composed of the Office of Supreme Public Prosecutor, the Office of
local public prosecutor at provincial and city levels, and the office of the military
prosecutor as per the law permits.

Article 101. (New) The Office of the Supreme Public Prosecutor supervises the activities of
the offices of the Public Prosecutor at all levels.

Article 102. (Amended) The Deputy Supreme Public Prosecutor is appointed or removed by
the President of the State.

Public prosecutors and deputy public prosecutors at the appellate level, provincial
level, city level and district level, and military prosecutors, are appointed,
transferred or removed by the Supreme Public Prosecutor.

Article 103. In carrying out their duties, the public prosecutors are subject only to the laws and
the instructions of the Supreme Public Prosecutor.

Charter XI
The State-Audit

Article 104. (New) The State-Audit refers to the auditing activities perform on the state-
organisations for the supervision on budgetary control, financial control, and
assets utilisation of the state.

Article 105. (New) The State-Audit is performed by the State-Audit Organisation under the
central state-audit organisation and the sectorial state-audit organisation.
The central state-audit organization and the sectorial state-audit organization are
governed by a specific law.

23
Article 106. (New) The President of the State-Audit Organisation reports directly to the
National Assembly and to the President of the State, the Prime Minister, and
National Assembly Standing Committee on all auditing activities.

The President of the State-Audit Organisation propose the appointment,

reassignment, or removal of vice president of the state-audit organisation, to the
President of the State.

Article 107. (New) The State-Audit Organisation has the following duties and responsibilities:
1. To perform independent auditing activities in accordance to the law and to
certify true and correctness of the financial reports, and in line with the
regulations and laws;
2. To prepare auditing reports and summaries on the implementation of state
budgetary plans to the National Assembly session;
3. To propose to the related authorities to implement counter measures on
entities who disobey the law mainly in the area of budgetary, financial, and
assets upon the finding of the audit.

Charter XII
The Election Committee

Article 108. (New) The election committee is composed of the National Election Committee
and the Local Election Committee at provincial and city levels.

The National Election Committee is an organisation founded under the proposal of

the National Assembly Standing Committee approved by the President of the State,
and announce to the public via the Presidential edict. The National Election
Committee has duties and responsibilities of supervising and leading the election
for members of the National Assembly, member of local administrations, and local
election committee at provincial levels.

The Local Election Committee is governed by the law.

Article 109. (New) The National Election Committee is composed of the President, Vice
President, and election panellists.

The National Election Committee terms of office shall end as the completion of the
National Assembly’s inaugural session.

Duties and responsibilities of the National Election Committee is declared in the

law.

24
 Charter XIII
Language, Script, National Emblem,
National Flag, National Anthem, National Day, Currency and Capital City

Article 110. The Lao language and Lao script are the language and script officially used.

Article 111. The National Emblem of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is a circle depicting
in the bottom part one-half of a cog wheel and red ribbon with inscriptions [of the
words] "Lao People's Democratic Republic", and [flanked by] crescent-shaped
stalks of fully-ripened rice at both sides and red ribbons bearing the inscription
"Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, Prosperity". A picture of That Luang
Pagoda is located between the tips of the stalks of rice. A road, a paddy field, a
forest and a hydroelectric dam are depicted in the middle of the circle.

Article 112. The National Flag of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is dark blue with red
edges and a white moon in the middle of the flag. The height of the flag is two-
thirds of its width. The height of each red edge is one-half of the height of the dark
blue area. The [diameter of the] white moon is four-fifths of [the height of] the dark
blue area.

Article 113. The national anthem of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is the "Xat Lao"
song.

Article 114. (Amended) The national day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is the day of
the proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic which is 2 December
1975.

Article 115. The currency of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is the Kip.

Article 116. The Capital City of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is Vientiane Capital City.

Charter XIV
Final Provisions

Article 117. (Amended) The Constitution of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is a
fundamental law of the nation. All laws must comply with the Constitution.

Article 118. (Amended) Only the National Assembly session of the Lao People's Democratic
Republic has the right to amend the Constitution.

25
 Any amendment to the Constitution requires the affirmative votes of at least two-
thirds of the total number of the National Assembly members.

Article 119. (Amended) This Constitution enters into force on the date of the promulgating
decree issued by the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

This Constitution and its contents shall replace the previous version of the Lao’s
People Democratic Republic Constitution No. 25/NA dated 06 May 2003.

President of the National Assembly

[Seal and Signature]

26