NA set to approve state leaders, development plans

The National Assembly’s newly-elected 9th legislature looks set to approve new state leaders and the five year socio-economic development and state budget plans for 2021-25 at its inaugural session next week.
The session will take place from March 22-26 at the new National Assembly building on the That Luang esplanade, NA Secretary General Suanesavanh Vignaket told a press conference on Tuesday.

Assembly members will first hear a report on the success of the election of members to the NA’s 9th legislature and to the 2nd legislature of Provincial/Capital People’s Councils, and the attributes of NA members.
Members will then elect a new Assembly president as recommended by the standing committee of the 8th legislature. The new president will lead the legislative body over the next five-year term.
In addition, the session will elect a vice president and members of the standing committee, to be proposed by the new Assembly President. 
The people’s representatives will also approve the appointment of presidents and vice presidents of the National Assembly’s committees as well as the NA Secretary General, as recommended by the standing committee.
Next, the session will elect a new president and vice president of Laos, to replace current President Bounnhang Vorachit and Vice President Phankham Viphavanh, as recommended by the standing committee.
The Assembly will also elect a new prime minister, to replace current PM Thongloun Sisoulith, as recommended by the President of Laos.
In addition, the session will consider and approve the appointment of the deputy prime minister and government cabinet members as recommended by the prime minister.
The NA will also elect the Supreme Prosecutor, President of the People’s Supreme Court, President of the State Audit Organisation, and President of the State Inspection Authority, to be proposed by the state president.
The Assembly will also hear a report presented by the prime minister on the implementation of the 8th five-year socio-economic development and budget plans for 2016-20 before approving the 9th five-year plan for 2021-25.
Next on the agenda will be two reports presented by the Supreme Prosecutor and the People’s Supreme Court.
The State Audit Organisation and the State Inspection Authority will also deliver reports before the National Assembly presents its report on plans to enact and amend laws over the next five years.
The National Assembly plays an important role in decision-making on fundamental issues affecting the country as well as overseeing the performance of the executive body, the prosecutor’s office, and the people’s court. 
The election of members to the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils takes place every five years, with the previous election taking place in 2016.
The NA’s 9th legislature comprises 164 members who will meet twice a year to debate and approve laws as well as make decisions on other issues of national importance.  
Members of the public are welcome to voice their concerns about development issues via telephone hotline no. 156; Fax: 021 413528; Post Box 662; or emailing nalao.156@gmail.com.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update March 17, 2021)