The Tamesis
February 24, 2026
Vientiane ——On Sunday, party and state leaders joined the people across the country in voting for deputies to the 10th National People’s Congress and the 5th Provincial People’s Congress, reflecting national unity and civic pride.
Starting from the early morning of February 22, polling stations in villages, districts, and provincial centers across the country opened their doors to a steady stream of voters. Officials are on hand to check voter lists and guide people through the process in an orderly and transparent manner.
At Thaphalanxay Village Hall in Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao People’s Revolutionary Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife arrived early to vote and were welcomed by Vientiane Mayor Dr. Athsaphangthong Siphandone.
Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith addressed local residents and election officials before placing their ballots in sealed ballot boxes, underscoring the leadership’s commitment to democratic participation and national responsibility.
Party and state leaders including Prime Minister Sonxy Siphandon, National Assembly Chairman Syed Somphone Phongvihan and other members of the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee also went to the polling stations in their respective constituencies to vote and fulfill their civic duties enshrined in the constitution.
Across Vientiane, from Phongsaly in the north to Attapeu in the south, voters lined up to greet their neighbors in a spirit of solidarity.
Senior citizens were assisted by officials and youth volunteers, while first-time voters expressed pride in participating in such an important event.
Dr. Khuanvilay Chanlasanichone, a voter at the Thaphalanxay Village polling station in Sisattanak District, Vientiane, said this was her third time voting in the election and commented on the strong sense of participation at the polling station.
“I’m so happy to see so many people coming out to exercise their right to vote,” she said. “I hope the elected members of the Provincial People’s Assembly and the National Assembly will fulfill their duties and truly act as the voice of the people.”
Mr. Phouvong Thammavone, secretary of the village party committee and head of Thaphalanxay Village, described the atmosphere as lively and orderly. He said all people aged 18 and above showed keen interest in the elections and were keen to vote.
Party and state leader Thongloun Sisoulith also honored the village by coming to the polling station to cast his vote. Mr Phouvong said comprehensive preparations, including venue arrangements, facilities and security, have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the vote.
In Khammuan province, a teacher named Keuthmany Phonexayyalath, speaking on behalf of the management committee of Chom Thong Junior High School in Thacqu district, told reporters that he was proud to take part in what he called a historic political event.
He said that qualified voters aged 18 and above are exercising their legal rights to elect representatives with competence, experience and moral integrity to safeguard the interests of the Lao people of all ethnic groups in the 12th constituency (Khammoung Province) and help ensure that the election achieves the expected goals.
According to the National Electoral Commission, a total of 4,764,384 people are registered to vote, including 2,384,104 women. Among them, 23,378 Lao citizens currently living in other countries also voted in person.
Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly and member of the National Electoral Commission, Professor Dr. Chaleur Yiapaoher, released the official voter numbers for all 18 constituencies earlier this month to ensure transparency and keep the public informed.
Savannakhet Province has the most voters with 723,129 voters, followed by the capital Vientiane with 679,952 voters and Champasak Province with 457,302 voters. Sesong Province is the smallest constituency with 58,363 eligible voters.
In these elections, 243 candidates will compete for 175 seats in the National Assembly, while 1,041 candidates will compete for 745 seats in the provincial People’s Assemblies.
Candidates represent a broad cross-section of Lao society, including government officials, teachers, business operators, members of the armed forces and representatives of mass organizations.
The election aims to strengthen the people’s democratic regime under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
Every Lao citizen aged 18 or above, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, creed or place of residence, has the right to vote, while Lao citizens aged 21 and above who meet the prescribed criteria can participate in the election.
As ballots were carefully placed into sealed boxes under the supervision of electoral commissions and observers, voting across the country took place in an orderly and efficient manner, reflecting the success of preparations in recent months.
The strong turnout underscored people’s confidence in the electoral process and their shared responsibility in shaping the makeup of the Legislature over the next five years. The election results are expected to boost the development process, strengthen governance and ensure that the voices and aspirations of Lao ethnic groups continue to be represented at the national and provincial levels.
