Лаос саяси жүйесі

Political system of Laos

The politics of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (commonly known as Laos) takes place in the framework of a one party parliamentary socialist republic. The only legal political party is the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of state is President Thongloun Sisoulith, who is also the LPRP general secretary, making him the supreme leader of Laos. The head of government is Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Government policies are determined by the party through the nine member LPRP Politburo and the 49 member LPRP Central Committee. Important government decisions are vetted by the Council of Ministers.

Laos' first, French written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on May 11, 1947 and declared it to be an independent state within the French Union. The revised constitution of May 11, 1957, omitted reference to the French Union, though close educational, health and technical ties with the former colonial power persisted. The 1957 document was abrogated on December 3, 1975, when a communist state was proclaimed. A new constitution was adopted in 1991 and enshrined a "leading role" for the LPRP. The following year, elections were held for a new 85 seat National Assembly with members elected by secret ballot to five year terms. This National Assembly approves all new laws, although the executive branch retains authority to issue binding decrees. The most recent election took place in February 2021. The election was tightly controlled by the ruling LPRP.

In the early 2000s, bomb attacks against the government occurred, coupled with small exchanges of fire, across Laos. A variety of different groups have claimed responsibility including the Committee for Independence and Democracy in Laos and Lao Citizens Movement for Democracy.

The National Assembly (Sapha Heng Xat) has 164 members (158 are LPRP, 6 independents), elected for a five year term.

As of June 2022, the Supreme People's Prosecutor is Xayasana Kotphuthone.

As for attorneys in general, according to a 2016 article, there are 188 lawyers in Laos who are members of the Laos Bar Association. However, most of the attorneys have entered the government sector and do not practice law—seldom giving thought to practicing in the private sector. While there is evidence of female lawyers in Laos, there is no indication as to how women have fared in the legal field. Pursuant to the Resolution of the National Assembly No. 024 / NA (On the Adoption of the Law on Lawyers; November 9, 2016), requirements include possessing a baccalaureate degree, being a Laos citizen and passing an examination (separate requirements exist for foreign lawyers). Although the Laos Bar Association issues certificates to graduates of the legal profession, it is the Ministry of Justice of Laos that sets the legal training standards.