January 9, 2026
VIENTIANE – More than 800 delegates attending the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party on Wednesday exercised their democratic right by electing members of the Party Central Committee to lead the country over the next five years, from 2026 to 2030.
Delegates from central and local levels, including 123 women, represented a total of 421,865 Party members nationwide.
The election concluded late on Wednesday afternoon, with the names of the newly elected members to be officially announced on Thursday, the final day of the three-day Congress.
The election followed a farewell address by Party Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith on behalf of the 11th Party Central Committee, marking the completion of its five-year term for 2021-2025.
Speaking at the close of the second day of the Congress, Head of the 11th Party Central Committee’s Propaganda and Training Committee, Khamphanh Pheuyavong, said the meeting had achieved its objectives.
President of the National Assembly, Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, on Wednesday casts his vote for new members of the Party Central Committee during the ongoing National Party Congress. PHOTO: VIENTIANE TIMES
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Wednesday casts his vote for new members of the Party Central Committee, one of the key functions of the National Party Congress. PHOTO: VIENTIANE TIMES
“Delegates demonstrated a high sense of responsibility and successfully fulfilled their duties,” he told local media.
The 12th Party Central Committee will succeed the 11th Central Committee, which comprised 71 members.
On Thursday, the newly elected 12th Party Central Committee will convene its first plenary session to elect the Party Secretary General, members of the Politburo, and other key Party bodies.
Following the announcement of the session’s outcomes, Congress delegates will consider and adopt the draft resolution of the 12th National Party Congress, which will outline the country’s development direction and advance Laos along the path to socialism.
The incoming Party Secretary General will then deliver the closing address, marking the successful conclusion of the three-day National Party Congress.