Administrative divisions:
16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality*
(kampheng nakhon, singular and plural), and 1 special zone**
(khetphiset, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai,
Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang,
Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan,
Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun**, Xekong, Xiangkhoang
Independence:
19 July 1949 (from France)
National holiday:
Republic Day, 2 December (1975)
Constitution:
promulgated 14 August 1991
Legal system:
based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures,
and socialist practice
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Gen. KHAMTAI Siphadon (since 26 February
1998) and Vice President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 27
March 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister BOUNGNANG Volachit (since 27
March 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Bouasone BOUPHAVANH (since
3 October 2003) Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since
May 2002), Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since 27 March
2001), and Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26
February 1998)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved
by the National Assembly
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term; election last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held
in 2007); prime minister appointed by the president with the
approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term
election results: KHAMTAI Siphandon elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - NA%
Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly (109 seats; members elected by popular
vote to serve five-year terms; note - total number of seats
increased from 99 to 109 for the 2002 election)
elections: last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held in 2007)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
LPRP or LPRP-approved (independent, non-party members) 109
Judicial branch:
People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court
is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the
National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the
People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National
Assembly Standing Committee)
Political parties and leaders:
Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [KHAMTAI Siphandon, party
president]; other parties proscribed