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Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Each province, municipality and special zone is considered as a constituency for the election of members of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
If any province or special zone is dissolved or established, the National Assembly Standing Committee is responsible for determining the distribution of members of the National Assembly in such constituency in accordance with the actual circumstances12, to ensure the regular13 exercise of the rights and duties of representatives of the people.
Source: Law on Election of National Assembly (2010), Art. 14: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Each province, municipality and special zone is considered as a constituency for the election of members of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
If any province or special zone is dissolved or established, the National Assembly Standing Committee is responsible for determining the distribution of members of the National Assembly in such constituency in accordance with the actual circumstances12, to ensure the regular13 exercise of the rights and duties of representatives of the people.
Source: Law on Election of National Assembly (2010), Art. 14: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Each province, municipality and special zone is considered as a constituency for the election of members of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
If any province or special zone is dissolved or established, the National Assembly Standing Committee is responsible for determining the distribution of members of the National Assembly in such constituency in accordance with the actual circumstances12, to ensure the regular13 exercise of the rights and duties of representatives of the people.
Source: Law on Election of National Assembly (2010), Art. 14: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: 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 elected by the National Assembly with two-thirds of the votes of all members of the National Assembly attending the session.
Source: Constitution, Art. 65, 66: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed or removed by the President of the State after the approval of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution, Art. 67 (3), 72: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 65 - 68: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The National Assembly is the legislative branch.
Source: Constitution, Art. 52: hhttps://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The candidates who are elected as members of the National Assembly shall be those who receive the highest number of votes corresponding to the number of members required for that constituency. If there is an equal number of votes for two candidates for the position of the final member required by the constituency, the more experienced candidate shall be selected, but in the event that the two candidates have equal experience, the older candidate shall be selected as the member of the National Assembly.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 34: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/02/16
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: The National Electoral Law covers elections only to the National Assembly.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 1: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: All Lao citizens, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, beliefs, social status, place of residence, and profession, who are at least 18 years of age, have the right to vote; anyone who is at least 21 years of age has the right to be elected as a member of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 3: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: The Local Election Committees
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 24 (7): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 20: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Expenditures for the election of members of the National Assembly shall be covered from the State budget.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 6: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Expenditures for the election of members of the National Assembly shall come from the State budget.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, Art. 6: Expenditures for the election of members of the National Assembly shall come from the State budget.
Constitution, Art. 53 (4): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: The National Election Committee is appointed at least 120 days before the election day. The term of office of the National Election Committee ends after the completion of the first plenary session of the new National Assembly.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 21: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 20: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: The National Election Committee consists of 15 to 17 members, including one chairman, two to three vice-chairmen, and a certain number of members.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 21 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: The election committee at each level shall include representatives of the party committee, the local administrative authority, and mass organisations at such level. The national, provincial, municipal, and special zone election committees shall include representatives of the National Assembly
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 20: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature
Comments: The National Election Committee is appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 21 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/17
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 22 (2), 24 (1), 26 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 22 (2), 24 (1), 26 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body c . Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies d . Yes, conducted by the Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 22 (2), 24 (1), 26 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: All Lao citizens, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, beliefs, social status, place of residence, and profession, who are at least 18 years of age, have the right to vote.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 3: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: All Lao citizens, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, beliefs, social status, place of residence, and profession, who are at least 18 years of age, have the right to vote.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 3: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: Village chiefs are responsible for the registration of voters in their villages.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 17: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 17: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: All organisations of the Party and the State, the Lao Front for National Construction and mass organisations have the right to nominate a list of their candidates to be elected as members of the National Assembly, through local election committees in the concerned constituencies, which lists shall then be proposed to the National Election Committee for consideration and approval.
For ministries and organisations at the central level, the list of candidates can be submitted directly to the National Election Committee.
The names of candidates to be elected as members of the National Assembly are determined taking into account the principle that such candidates may occupy one position or combined positions in the government at different levels, if appropriate.
The candidates in each constituency can be listed according to Lao alphabetical order or in any other order, as decided by the National Election Committee.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 9: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: Unicameral parliamentary system
Source: IPU Parline database:
http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2175.htm
Verified: 2007/01/31
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence j . Other
Comments: Any Lao citizen who is at least 21 years of age has the right to be elected as a member of the National Assembly provided that he/she:
1. is patriotic, devoted to the people's democracy, loyal to the New Economic Mechanism of the Party, true to the nation, always serve the interests of the people, and have a strong, clear and absolute attitude towards friends and enemies;
2. has a sufficient level of knowledge of the Party’s policies and strategic programs and of State laws and regulations, and has the capacity to undertake propaganda and to motivate people to be aware of and to participate in the implementation of such Party policies and State laws;
3. has an exemplary attitude, symbolise the solidarity of multi-ethnic groups, has a grassroots working method, and is close to and trusted by the people;
4. is a Lao person with Lao nationality who is living and working inside the country;
5. has sufficient knowledge and capacity to undertake research and to contribute ideas on the implementation of the rights and duties of members of the National Assembly;
6. is in good health in order to carry out his/her regular duties.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 3, 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
k . Mental health problems o . Other
Comments: o) Deprivation of civil and political rights by court decision
Source: IPU Parline database:
http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2175.htm
Verified: 2007/01/31
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Laos is a one-party communist state, but candidates for the National Assembly are not required to be part of the communist party.
Source: Laos--Freedom in the World (2019), art. B2: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1162151/download
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliamentary system
Source: IPU Parline database:
http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2175.htm
Verified: 2007/01/31
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party is the only political party in Lao.
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/24
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The counting of votes shall be done openly in front of at least 3 witnesses, who are voters in that unit, but not the candidates. Journalists and representatives of candidates may observe and follow the counting of votes.
The committees at the level of polling units shall divide their responsibilities for counting votes as follows:
One person is to read the ballots, one person is to check, and the others are to follow the proceedings and record.
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 31: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The people are to elect representatives, namely the National Assembly, 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 have the right to propose the removal of their own representatives if they are found to behave in a way unbefitting their [honourable positions] and to lose the people's confidence.
Source: Constitution, Art. 4 (3), 41: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Lao citizens have the right to lodge complaints and petitions and to propose ideas to the relevant State organisations in connection with issues pertaining to the public interest or to their own rights and interests.
Source: Constitution, Art. 41: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Voters have the right to propose the removal of their own representatives if they are found to behave in a way not fitting their honourable positions and to lose the people's confidence.
Source: Constitution, Art. 4 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/30
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/30
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/30
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/30
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/30
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations e . At mobile polling stations
Comments: If voters are sick, disabled or old and cannot come to the voting location, the committee at the level of polling unit shall organise mobile teams to go and collect the ballots from those persons at their locations;
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, art. 15, 16, 29 (7): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments: g) Only for state officials / government employees
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: When voters are filling out their ballots, other people are prohibited from interfering;
For illiterate voters who cannot fill out their ballots by themselves, the committee at the level of polling unit shall nominate someone to assist them in filling out the ballot according to the voters’ choice, and then let them deposit the ballot by themselves. In the event that such persons cannot deposit the ballot by themselves, the committee at the level of polling unit shall nominate someone to help them to do so in their presence;
Source: Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, 29 (5, 6): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
Verified: 2021/02/28
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