Laotian Parliamentary Elections 2026: Tenth Legislature
Overview
The Lao People's Democratic Republic held its parliamentary elections on February 22, 2026, electing members to the 10th National Assembly. This marked a significant evolution in the country's legislative structure, with the Assembly expanding from 164 to 175 seats.
Key Facts and Figures
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Election Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Legislature | 10th National Assembly |
| Total Seats | 175 (increased from 164 in 2021) |
| Candidates | 243 |
| Eligible Voters | 4.7 million |
| Term Length | 5 years |
Electoral Context
Expanded Representation
The 2026 elections featured an expansion of the National Assembly from 164 to 175 seats, representing a 6.7% increase. This enlargement reflects efforts to broaden representation as the country's population approaches 7.5 million.
According to the official announcement from the Lao News Agency (KPL):
"Elections for members of the 10th National Assembly (NA) and the 5th Provincial People's Assemblies (PPA) will be held on 22 February 2026, following a presidential decree officially designating the date as election day."
Party Congress Connection
The elections followed the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, held January 6-8, 2026. This Congress, occurring every five years, establishes the Party's leadership and policy direction for the subsequent legislative term.
The Electoral System
Laos employs a multiple non-transferable vote (MNTV) system within multi-member constituencies:
- 18 constituencies nationwide
- 5 to 19 seats per constituency (based on population)
- Mandatory voting for citizens
- Overseas voting available in 40 countries
Historical Context
The 2026 elections represent the latest chapter in Laos's political evolution since the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975. The country operates under a constitutional framework where the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) plays a central role in the political system.
When compared to the previous 2021 elections, the 2026 cycle shows both continuity in the broader political structure and change in the form of expanded representation through additional seats.
Looking Ahead
The newly elected 10th National Assembly will face several ongoing challenges:
- Economic recovery and stabilization
- Infrastructure development, including the Laos-China railway expansion
- Regional integration through ASEAN
- Environmental and sustainable development goals
The Assembly will serve until the next scheduled elections in 2031.
Sources
- Lao News Agency (KPL) Official Announcements
- National Election Commission, Candidate Lists (January 2026)
- Lao Times, Election Coverage
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Database
- Wikipedia: 2026 Laotian Parliamentary Election
Published February 24, 2026. Information based on publicly available official sources.