At the 12th National Party Congress, Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, presented the draft Third Political Programme of the LPRP on Building the People’s Democratic System toward Socialism. The programme reflects the Party’s long-term vision and strategic direction under changing domestic and international conditions.

Historical Evolution of the Party’s Political Programmes

In his presentation, the General Secretary reviewed the historical development of the Party’s political programmes. Since its founding, the LPRP has formulated two major political programmes that played decisive roles in the revolutionary struggle.

The first Political Programme was proclaimed on March 22, 1955, the founding day of the Party. It defined the Party’s leadership direction and guided the revolutionary struggle against imperialist colonialism and its puppets until the 2nd National Party Congress.

The second Political Programme was adopted at the 2nd National Party Congress, held from February 3–6, 1972. It set out the strategic direction for the national democratic revolution aimed at achieving national independence, abolishing the monarchy, and establishing a new political system.

The successful implementation of these two programmes led to the complete victory of the national liberation struggle and the historic establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975.

Continuation of the Renewal Policy

The Third Political Programme represents a continuation and development of the Renewal Policy initiated and principally architected by President Kaysone Phomvihane. Over the past decades, this policy has guided national development, strengthened the people’s democratic regime, and enhanced the country’s capacity to respond to new challenges.

Eleven Major Policy Orientations

The Third Political Programme outlines 11 key policy directions, including developing a socialist-oriented market economy; advancing industrialization, modernization, and digital transformation; protecting the environment and responding to climate change; developing culture, education, science, health, and human resources; strengthening national defense and public security; expanding foreign relations and international integration; building a clean and strong Party and state governed by law; promoting national unity and people’s democracy; and strengthening unity among Party members, armed forces, and all ethnic groups.

Call for Unity and Action

The Party leadership emphasized that the Political Programme serves as a theoretical foundation and guiding beacon for strengthening the people’s democratic system and advancing toward socialism. Party members, state officials, armed forces, and the multi-ethnic Lao people were called upon to strengthen unity, overcome challenges, and translate the Political Programme into concrete achievements for national development.

KPL