Laos successfully held its 2026 national elections on 22 February, electing members of the 10th National Assembly (NA) and the 5th Provincial People’s Councils across the country.
The elections saw more than 4.76 million eligible voters, out of approximately 7.9 million citizens aged 18 and above, cast their ballots nationwide.
Citizens voted to elect 175 deputies to the 10th NA from among 243 candidates, and 745 deputies to the 5th Provincial People’s Councils from among 1,041 candidates, representing 17 provinces and the capital.
Polling stations were opened across urban and rural areas to ensure broad access for voters from all regions. Security and election officials were deployed throughout the country to support orderly and smooth operations.
Senior government and party leaders also participated in the process. President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone both cast their votes publicly in Vientiane,
The elections are held once every five years as part of Laos’ regular political cycle, conducted within the framework of one-party governance under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
They are seen as a key mechanism for reinforcing governance stability and advancing the country’s long-term development agenda for the 2026-2030 period.
The newly elected NA members and provincial council deputies will play an important role in legislative oversight, development planning, and policy implementation, supporting national priorities in economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Official voter turnout figures and the final list of elected representatives have not yet been announced. Authorities are expected to release preliminary results in the coming days.
The general elections followed the conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, held in early January, which re-elected Thongloun Sisoulith as General Secretary for a second term.
