Party splits local political, administrative roles

The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party will separate Party leadership from state administration at the local level, to improve governance and strengthen accountability, according to a report presented at the Party’s 12th National Congress.
As outlined in a draft political report presented by Party Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith, Party Committee secretaries in the provinces, Vientiane, districts, and municipalities will serve as the highest political leaders in their areas but will no longer hold administrative posts.
This means Party secretaries cannot concurrently serve as heads of administrative bodies, such as chairpersons of provincial administrations, previously known as governors, or district governors.
The change aims to define responsibilities more clearly, reduce the concentration of power, and increase efficiency in governance and management at the grassroots level.
The plan also aims to strengthen and enhance the Party’s leadership role and build up and improve the Party so it becomes more transparent, stronger, and solid.
The Party pledged to prevent ideological decline, moral decay and corruption, and to strictly penalise violations of Party rules and discipline.
At the same time, policies will be strengthened to favour officials with breadth of knowledge and who are competent and innovative, as well as those who dare to think creatively, act decisively, and are prepared to take responsibility.
The Party will strengthen its leadership role in cells and village communities, as well as in key state enterprises and other businesses, helping to make them stronger and able to effectively fulfill their roles and duties.
The report also placed a strong emphasis on building a transparent, strong and united Party by tightening discipline and strengthening internal supervision.
In a notable move, the Party will allow the Lao Front for National Development, mass organisations, the media and members of the public to share in monitoring the performance of party-state officials.
Inspection results and corrective actions will be made public to ensure transparency and build public trust.
Personnel management will also be reformed, with promotions, demotions, rotation and appointments based on performance, political standards, moral conduct and exemplary behaviour rather than personal influence.
The report also outlined plans to increase salaries, pensions and living allowances to better reflect current economic conditions and improve livelihoods and morale among civil servants and the armed forces.
These reforms are part of a broader effort to consolidate the people’s democratic regime and steadily advance on the path to socialism.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 8, 2026)