Lao NEWS on LNTV: Candidates met local people in their constituencies.29/2/2016

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• published: 03 Mar 2016
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VO Candidates standing for March 20's election as members of the NA met local people in their constituencies INTRO: Candidates standing for March 20's election as members of the National Assembly (NA) met local people in their constituencies, marking the start of an election campaign across the country. STORY: The official ceremony was held in all 18 constituencies, allowing all 211 candidates (of which 149 will be elected as NA members) to meet and introduce themselves as well as talk about their intention to serve for the interests of the nation and people. In Vientiane (Constituency 1), a ceremony for the election campaign was held at the National Culture Hall where 24 candidates (of which 17 will be elected as NA members) introduced themselves one by one to over 1,500 people. They also assured the crowd that they were ready to serve as their representatives at the NA and push for greater sustainable development in Laos over the next decade. Party Politburo Member and Vice President of the National Assembly Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, who is candidate No. 1, highlighted the significant role of the NA in making decisions on all fundamental issues concerning the nation. Dr Xaysomphone said the NA is the highest State Power, playing the role of electing or removing the country's leaders and approving the national constitution and laws. He called for eligible voters to exercise their rights and obligations in electing their qualified representatives to the NA. Meanwhile the election campaigns in other provinces have also been conducted interestingly, allowing candidates to meet and talk to local people. In Saravan province, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Savankhone Razmountry, who is a candidate for this province, joined the election campaigns in Samuay district yesterday. Eligible voters in this province will elect eight out of 11 candidates to represent people at the NA. Mr Savankhone reiterated the Party's and government's policies regarding Lao media in disseminating information for local people to alleviate their poverty. He said his ministry tried to ensure media coverage reaching all localities in Laos where poor people live. Politburo member and President of the National Assembly Ms Pany Yathotou is campaigning as a candidate to become an NA member for Constituency 6 (Luang Prabang province). Party Central Committee member and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Bounpone Bouttanavong is contesting as an NA member for Constituency 12 (Khammuan province). Party Central Committee member and Vice President of the National Assembly Mr Somphan Phengkhammy is contesting as an NA member for Constituency 3 (Luang Namtha province). The Resolution of the National Election Committee signed last week by the Committee's Vice President Ms Pany Yathortou allowed the candidates for NA membership to begin their election campaigns on February 25 and run until March 19. March 20's election is the landmark as we aim to strengthen our people's democratic regime and ensure the rights and benefits of local people are protected.”