2016 Laotian parliamentary election

Parliamentary elections were held in Laos on 20 March 2016.[1] Voters were presented with a single list from the Lao Front for National Construction, dominated by the Communist Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LRPP). The LPRP won 144 of the 149 seats, with pro-government independents winning the remaining five.

Electoral system

The 149 members of the National Assembly were elected from 18 multi-member constituencies with between three and fourteen seats using the first-past-the-post system.[2] Candidates had to gain the support of a local authority or a mass organisation to run for office, and election committees approve candidacies.[2] Due to a rise in the country's population, the number of seats was increased from 132 in the 2011 elections.[3]

Campaign

A total of 149 seats were contested by 211 candidates, including 50 women and 48 incumbent MPs.[1] Much of the election campaign was focused on economic development.[3]

Results

Of the 149 elected members, 73% were first-time MPs.[3]

Alliance	Party	Votes	%	Seats	+/–
Lao Front for National Construction	Lao People's Revolutionary Party		100	144	+16
	Independents			5	+1
Invalid/blank votes			–	–	–
Total		3,657,026	100	149	+17
Registered voters/turnout		3,733,932	97.94	–	–
Source: IPU

Aftermath

Following the elections, the National Assembly convened on 20 April to elect Bounnhang Vorachith as president (replacing Choummaly Sayasone) and Thongloun Sisoulith as Prime Minister, replacing Thongsing Thammavong.[3]

References

1. The National Committee for Election (NEC) announces NA candidates LNTV
2. Electoral system Inter-Parliamentary Union
3. Last elections Inter-Parliamentary Union