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Laos Prepares for National Assembly Elections with Focus on Transparency

Laos is in the final stages of preparation for its National Assembly and Provincial People's Council elections scheduled for February 22. Nationwide campaigning aims to inform voters and promote the selection of qualified candidates to represent all ethnic groups. Security preparations are a key focus, with the Minister of Public Security overseeing deployments and coordination to ensure a safe and orderly process. A total of 243 candidates, including 66 women, are vying for 175 seats in the 10th legislature.

Key Points: Laos National Assembly Elections: Campaigning Underway

  • Campaigning provides voter information
  • Security preparations emphasized for safe elections
  • 243 candidates for National Assembly
  • Authorities urge high voter turnout
2 min read

Laos gears up for smooth national elections

Laos gears up for February 22 national elections, with campaigning and security preparations underway to ensure a smooth and lawful process.

"strengthen coordination, work closely with village-level security forces, reinforce personnel deployment in sensitive areas - Vanthong Kongmany"

Vientiane, Feb 10

Preparations are underway for the election of members of the Laos National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils, with nationwide campaigning continuing to ensure a smooth, transparent, and lawful electoral process ahead of polling day.

Candidate campaigning is continuing nationwide to provide voters with comprehensive information ahead of polling day on February 22. The campaign seeks to raise voter awareness and encourage thoughtful participation in the electoral process, promoting the selection of qualified candidates who can genuinely represent people of all ethnic groups and safeguard the rights and interests of the population, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Authorities are urging all eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights on election day.

As part of efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process, officials reaffirmed their commitment to maximizing voter participation, strictly adhering to election laws, maintaining comprehensive security, promoting transparency, and providing timely budget support for election operations.

During a visit to Vientiane province on Monday to oversee security preparations for the elections, Laos Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany urged relevant sectors to strengthen coordination, work closely with village-level security forces, reinforce personnel deployment in sensitive areas, and remain prepared to respond to any incidents. He also emphasized the importance of fire prevention, traffic management, and strict discipline among civil servants and security personnel to ensure a safe and orderly election.

The Laos National Election Committee has announced 243 candidates for the 10th National Assembly, including 66 women, representing 27 per cent of the total. A total of 175 members will be elected to the legislature.

The elections are among the most important events in the country's political calendar, giving citizens a direct role in shaping national development.

Earlier in January, election officials met in Savannakhet province to review progress and strengthen coordination, emphasizing the importance of raising political awareness among eligible voters.

Authorities called for the timely and accurate completion of voter registration lists and urged creative public outreach that combines national guidance with local characteristics to encourage active participation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Technology and Communications held a dissemination meeting to brief Party members and civil servants on election guidelines

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to read about their process. 27% women candidates is a start, but they can definitely aim higher. In India, we've seen how crucial women's representation is for inclusive policy-making. Wishing the people of Laos a peaceful and fair election.
R
Rohit P
The coordination between central and village-level security forces mentioned here is a smart move. Ensuring safety at the grassroots is key for voter turnout. Our own election machinery in India is quite robust in this aspect. Good luck to them!
S
Sarah B
While the article highlights the preparations, I hope the "comprehensive information" provided to voters includes diverse viewpoints and not just state guidance. A truly informed electorate needs access to all sides. That's the bedrock of a healthy democracy.
V
Vikram M
Always heartening to see democracies in action in our region. The mention of "creative public outreach combining national guidance with local characteristics" sounds like a sensible approach. Jai Hind, and best wishes to the people of Laos for a successful poll.
K
Karthik V
The focus on fire prevention and traffic management as part of election security is quite detailed! Shows they are thinking of everything. Stable and peaceful neighbors are good for all of Southeast Asia, including India's Act East policy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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