IFES Election Guide | Elections: Laotian National Assembly 2026 General

Feb. 22, 2026 Confirmed

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Election for Sapha Heng Xat (Laotian National Assembly)

General Information

At Stake in this Election:

All 175 seats in the Laos National Assembly.

Laos will hold concurrent elections for its Provincial People’s Assemblies.

Government Structure:

Chief of State: President Thongloun SISOULITH (since 22 March 2021)

Head of Government: Prime Minister Sonexay SIPHANDONE (since 30 December 2022)

Assembly: unicameral, 175-seat National Assembly (Sapha Heng Xat)

Electoral System:

The President is indirectly elected by the National Assembly to serve a 5-year term, along with the Vice President. Both serve 5-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

The Prime Minister is nominated by the President and elected by the National Assembly to serve a 5-year term.

The National Assembly is directly elected via a mixed-member system to serve 5-year terms.

Last Election:

The last National Assembly election was held on February 21, 2021. The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party won 158 seats and independent candidates won 6 seats. Voter turnout was 95%.

Key Deadlines:

Candidate filing deadline: According to Article 13 of the Election Law, the Lao People’s Revolutionary, State, Lao Front for National Construction, Lao Veterans Union and other public organizations may propose lists of representatives to run for parliament. These lists are submitted to the National Election Commission for review and approval, and lists are finalized no later than 60 days prior to the election.

Voter registration deadline: According to Article 22 of the Election Law, citizens may register their names for inclusion in the voter list at their local polling station. Village offices must compile voter lists, and the National Election Commission announces the final number of eligible voters no later than 30 days prior to the election.