Constitution of the Lao People's Democratic Republic

The fundamental law defines the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) as an independent country with sovereignty and territorial integrity over its territorial waters and airspace. The State of the Lao PDR is a people's democratic state. It specifically identifies the Lao People's Revolutionary Party as the leading nucleus of its political system. The President is the Head of the State and the Chairman of the Council for National Defense and Security, while the Prime Minister is the Head of the Government. Moreover, the people are to elect representatives, namely the National Assembly and Local Administration. It also provides the People's Courts and Public Prosecutor. 

The constitution recognizes the fundamental rights and obligations of citizens including:

• Equality regardless of gender, social status, education, beliefs and ethnic group
• Right to vote
• Matrimonial equality
• Academic freedom
• Right to work
• Right to choose occupation
• State support for the elderly, unemployed and disabled
• Right to rest
• Freedom of movement
• Right of petition
• Freedom of religion
• Right to prevent violation to their lives, body, integrity and properties
• Freedom of speech, assembly and association

Fundamental obligations include the obligation to respect and implement the Constitution and the laws, to strictly observe labor discipline, [and to comply with] the regulations relating to social life and public order, to pay duties and taxes in accordance with the laws, and to defend the country, to maintain the security and to fulfil military service obligations as provided by the laws.