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2nd LD: Lawmakers elect Lao president, PM and top legislator

Xinhua, April 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

The National Assembly (NA) of Laos on Wednesday elected General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee Bounnhang Vorachit as president of the Southeast Asian nation.

The lawmakers also chose fellow LPRP Political Bureau member Thongloun Sisoulith as the prime minister and reelected Political Bureau member Pany Yathotu as president of the NA at the First Session of the eighth legislature, which kicked off in the Lao capital Vientiane.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sport Phankham Viphanvanh was elected vice president, while Bounthong Chitmany, Sonexay Siphandone and Somdy Duangdy were elevated to deputy prime ministers.

During the sitting, the 149-member assembly is due to discuss pertinent issues and consider proposed legislative agenda for the five-year term in addition to candidatures to posts of People's Supreme Prosecutor and President of the People's Supreme Court.

The eighth session will also approve the country's development vision until 2030, development strategy until 2025, and the 8th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2016-2020) as well as an annual budget.

LPRP chief Vorachit is scheduled to address the session and give guidance to the new leadership before its conclusion on Saturday. Endit