i,
Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli,
Xaisomboun**, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France)

National holiday: National Day, 2 December (1975) (proclamation of the
Lao People's Democratic Republic)

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 NOUHAK PHOUMSAVAN (appointed 25 November
1992 by the Supreme People's Assembly to succeed KAYSONE PHOMVIHAN who
died in office; elected by the new National Assembly 22 February
1993); Vice President SISAVAT KEOBOUNPHAN (since 20 April 1996 when
the position of vice president was first created)
head of government : Prime Minister Gen. KHAMTAI SIPHANDON (since 15
August 1991); Deputy Prime Ministers KHAMPHOUI KEOBOUALAPHA (since 15
August 1991) and BOUNGNANG VOLACHIT (since 20 April 1996)
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 22 February 1993 (next to be held NA 1998);
prime minister appointed by the president with the approval of the
National Assembly for a five-year term
election results: NOUHAK PHOUMSAVAN elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - NA

Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (85 seats; members
elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1997)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP
or LPRP-approved (independent, non-party members) 85; note - the
distribution of seats as of January 1997 is as follows - LPRP 78,
independents 5, vacant 2

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
(LPRP), KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders: noncommunist political groups
proscribed; most opposition leaders fled the country in 1975

International organization participation: ACCT, AsDB