Uphold spirit of patriotism, obey constitution, laws: President

Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith has underscored the importance of the constitution as the highest law of the state, reaffirming Laos’ independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking at a ceremony in Vientiane on Friday to mark the 30th Constitution Day, Mr Thongloun said the constitution reflected the strong aspirations and determination of Laos’ multi-ethnic citizens to build a state that belongs to the people, is governed by the people, and is in the interests of the people.
“Laos’ first constitution was approved by the People’s Supreme Assembly in 1991, almost 16 years after the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed on December 2, 1975,” he said.
“We gather today to celebrate the 30th Constitution Day, which is considered to be an event of political significance for Laos.”

The president said the occasion was a time to look back at the years of Laos’ struggle for liberation, which was achieved in 1975, and future developments that led to the constitution’s enactment and subsequent amendment.
Promulgated on August 15, 1991, the constitution embodied the Party’s renovation policy, which was introduced in 1986. The constitution was the fruit of decades of struggle and the great victory of the multi-ethnic Lao people in the revolutionary movement and the cause of national defence and development.
 “We are proud to see the achievements made in national defence and development over the past 46 years, particularly the accomplishments since the enactment of the constitution 30 years ago,” he said.
The victory in 1975 has transformed Laos from being a country under the yoke of colonialism to a nation with full independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, he added.
The status of the multi-ethnic people has improved, from being severely oppressed to becoming the owners of their country. The ownership and democratic rights of the multi-ethnic Lao people are guaranteed as spelled out in the constitution.
State and socio-economic development under the rule of law has strengthened, and the role and reputation of Laos has been enhanced in the international arena.
The constitution is the foundation on which laws are based. Since the state and laws are correlated, more than 150 laws have so far been enacted.
However, the chronic inadequacy of law enforcement has resulted in social ills. Mr Thongloun urged Party members, state officials, intellectuals and students to act as role models in obeying the constitution and laws, as part of efforts to tackle social problems and unlawful activities. Meanwhile, business operators and people of all ethnic groups were advised to uphold the spirit of patriotism and fulfil their obligations as outlined in the constitution.
Also speaking at the event, National Assembly President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane highlighted the need to amend the constitution in response to changes in modern times. The first amendment was made in 2003 to reflect changes in socio-economic development, while the second revision took place in 2015 to include provincial people’s councils, the State Audit Organisation, and the Election Committee.
The key content of the constitution also comprises rules and principles concerning state powers, the president, political regime, and the fundamental rights and obligations of citizens and local authorities.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update August 16, 2021)