(KPL) The election of members of the National Assembly (NA) and Provincial People’s Councils (PPC) represents an important exercise of democracy by Lao citizens, enabling voters to select qualified individuals to serve as representatives of the multi-ethnic Lao people at both central and local levels of state power.

To ensure that elected representatives uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and competence, the law clearly defines the qualifications and conduct required of candidates, as well as the obligations of voters during the electoral process.

Qualifications for Candidates

Candidates for the NA and PPC must meet the following essential criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a Lao citizen by birth.

Patriotism and Loyalty: Must love the nation and uphold the People’s Democratic regime, demonstrate loyalty and honesty to the country, and place the interests of the people above personal gain.

Ethics and Conduct: Must be patient, economical, honest, and fair; refrain from arrogance and abuse of power; and demonstrate firm commitment to combating corruption and bureaucracy.

Legal and Political Standing: Must serve as a role model in respecting and enforcing the law, firmly uphold the Party’s policies, the Constitution, and national laws, and possess the ability to educate and mobilize the public.

Vision and Commitment: Must strive toward national goals of strength, prosperity, unity, democracy, justice, and civilization.

Education and Capacity: Must demonstrate a strong sense of political responsibility, possess the ability to study and provide opinions on key national and local issues, have at least a lower secondary education, hold a specific profession, be able to use basic information technology, and be in good health.

Prohibited Acts for Candidates

Candidates are strictly prohibited from engaging in any actions that undermine the fairness and integrity of the election, including:

Defaming or slandering other candidates.

Offering bribes, incentives, or any form of inducement to voters.

Conducting campaign activities on election day.

Interfering with vote counting carried out by polling station committees.

Disclosing or disseminating unofficial election documents through mass media.

Committing any other acts in violation of the law.

Prohibited Acts for Voters

Voters are also required to strictly comply with election regulations and are prohibited from:

Distorting policies or factual information related to the election.

Defaming or slandering candidates.

Creating disturbances or unrest at polling stations.

Interfering with another person’s voting process or damaging ballots.

Marking ballots carelessly or violating official voting procedures.

Disclosing or disseminating unofficial election documents through mass media.

Engaging in any other unlawful acts.

The election authorities emphasize that strict adherence to these regulations is essential to ensuring free, fair, transparent, and orderly elections, reflecting the will and aspirations of the Lao people.

KPL