Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune (centre) and other Party leaders give a press conference at the National Convention Hall on Sunday ahead of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

Party Congress to open Tuesday, set 5-year development direction, elect new leadership

The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party will open its 12th National Congress on Tuesday to elect the new Party leadership and outline the country’s development direction over the next five years.
The congress will take place over three days from January 6-8, Politburo member and Head of the Congress Secretariat, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune said at a press conference on Sunday.
A total of 834 delegates, including 123 women, will attend the congress, representing 421,865 Party members across the country.
Delegates were elected from Party committees at the ministerial level, equivalent organisations and provinces, and represent a wide range of social backgrounds, ethnic groups, genders, and age groups. An additional 388 invited guests will also attend.
Prof. Dr Kikeo said the congress is a major political and historical event for the Party and nation.
Held once every five years, the congress will review achievements made in implementing the resolution adopted by the last congress and set the direction of development for the next five years.
The congress will take the theme “Elevate the Party’s strong leadership role, actively build an independent and self-reliant economy, continue to nurture the people’s democratic regime, and advance steadfastly towards socialism”.
Delegates will consider and adopt the drafts of four key documents, namely the Party’s third political project, the political report of the 11th Party Central Committee, the 10th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030, and Party regulations relating to the 12th central committee.
“These documents will determine the Party’s political strategy and guidelines, organisational guidelines, and the State’s socio-economic development direction over the coming years, taking into account Laos’ particular circumstances,” Prof. Dr Kikeo said.
The congress will also elect the new 12th Party Central Committee, the Party’s highest leading body that will shape policies in the new term. The newly elected committee will then choose the Party Secretary General, members of the Politburo, and elect members of other key Party bodies.
Prof. Dr Kikeo said preparations for the congress began in 2023 and involved wide-ranging consultation at the central and local levels, including with friendly countries, to ensure the documents reflect the collective wisdom of the Lao people.
The congress takes place ahead of several other important political events scheduled for early this year.
Following the congress, new National Assembly members will be elected in nationwide polling on February 22. The new legislature of the National Assembly will later elect the State President, Prime Minister and other top leaders, approve the new government cabinet, and endorse the five-year national development plan.
Daily news updates will be released throughout the congress, and a full report will be presented to the public following its conclusion, Prof. Dr Kikeo said.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 5, 2026)