~ MARCH 4 2006

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March '06: Time for Elections
From: USA
Inquiry:

I hear there are elections in Laos coming up. Is it even real? I mean do people actually go out and vote?

The elections are very real. It is a part of Laos' move towards democratic reform, albeit, a modest one.

From past elections we know that in the Party Congress there is one independent and the rest of course are all part of one party. When we asked locals about voting in national elections some were unaware that it was even possible to do so. So how much or how little it is advertised and the amount of voter turnout is expected to be negligable.

In some cases it is almost evident who will win or who is up for what positions, who is being promoted and who is being removed, retiring, etc. It is sometimes controversial but not necessarily surprising.

However all and all, it must be said that it is a much more open process than it was in the past - and this is a good sign. The other good thing this time around is that there are more younger members, if you can consider the average age of 52 as young. There are also a few more, approximately fifteen, from the business community. Thus diversifying its members. In the past Laos was also said to have a high percentage of female party members, among Asian countries.

The Party's focus is expected to be a continuation of previous items such as further opening the country to be more attractive to investors and businesses and thereby creating more jobs in the country; further bettering internal infrastructure; combating corruption; and so fourth. Other items of interests that are expected to be better addressed this year are environmental concerns; support for education; further integration in ASEAN; and so fourth.

Laos continues to rely heavily on official development aid (ODA) for development projects and capital to run the government; foreign direct investment (FDI) for construction and business creation; and money from Lao ex-patriates sending money to family, friends and relatives in Laos which help drive the economy at a grassroots level (which is estimated to be in the millions). Those who are a part of the Donor Community continue to express their concerns and interests which help to direct attention to certain issues.

The government is receptive to the help, ideas, research, and concerns expressed by its donors. However implementation often comes down to whether there is manpower, money and the will to do so.

I just wanted to let you know that I am enjoying the Discussion Boards you guys recently started. It's definitely fun and it's nice to have a place where we can post things directly.

We're glad to hear it! It is still new and we hope to see greater participation from everyone on there. It's a chance to speak, ask questions and interact with others interested in Laos and Lao culture. So please, everyone, don't hesitate to get involved.

We hope everyone will consider registering on the Discussion Board and participate - and have fun.

The Discussion Board is being administered by Tay - a long time LCW member. Don't hesitate to interact and ask him questions as well. I'm sure those of you, who have already read and participated in the boards, know that he's a very funny and personable individual. He participates heavily in a lot of the discussions.