Rights
A one-party socialist state, constitution amended in 2015
The 1991 Constitution, amended in 2003 and 2015, establishes the Lao People's Revolutionary Party as the leading nucleus of the political system. The National Assembly is the supreme organ of state power and elects the President. There is no constitutional court; the National Assembly itself interprets the Constitution and laws.
Governing law
- Constitution of the Lao PDR, 1991 — As amended 2003 and 2015.
- Law on Making Legislation, 2012 — Hierarchy of legal instruments and Gazette publication.
In practice
The Lao People's Revolutionary Party is constitutionally the leading force in the political system. The National Assembly is the highest organ of state power and interprets the Constitution. The 2015 amendment created Provincial People's Assemblies and strengthened local government. Rights are granted subject to law, and there is no judicial mechanism to enforce them against legislation. Because the National Assembly interprets the Constitution, there is no route to challenge a statute as unconstitutional in court. The Official Gazette became the authoritative publication for legislation under the 2012 Law on Making Legislation.