National Assembly and LuxDev collaborate on Regulatory Impact Assessment for key legislative Amendments

In a significant step towards advancing good governance, LuxDev, through the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance (ROLAG) Programme actively supported the Constituency Affairs Committee of the National Assembly (NA) in hosting a two-day Regulatory Impact Assessment Workshop. 

The event, held on 9–10 April 2025 in Vientiane Province, brought together key legislative stakeholders. The workshop focused on conducting an initial Regulatory Impact Assessment for proposed amendments to four critical laws underpinning Lao PDR's legislative structure. These amendments were initiated by the National Assembly Standing Committee primarily to ensure the laws align with recent constitutional updates, reflecting an ongoing effort to refine the legislative framework.

The four laws under review included:
•    Law on the National Assembly;
•    Law on the Provincial People’s Assembly;
•    Law on National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assembly Oversight; and
•    Law on National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assembly Elections.

Under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Sounthone Xayachack, Vice President of the National Assembly, the workshop welcomed over 30 representatives from various NA committees. Their active participation highlighted the collaborative nature of the event, which aimed to foster dialogue and build consensus on legislative reforms.

A key contribution during the workshop was a presentation by Dr. Reginald Pastrana, Senior Sectoral Adviser of the ROLAG Programme. Dr. Pastrana delivered a Comparative Analysis focused on the structure and functions of legislative bodies, drawing on international examples relevant to the Lao context. The analysis sparked productive discussion on potential avenues for legislative reform in Lao PDR. It prompted participants to explore how lessons from other countries might inform efforts to strengthen the institutional capacities of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assemblies to better serve the public.

The workshop provided an open platform for dialogue, with participants engaging in discussions on how best to align the proposed amendments with the evolving governance needs of Lao PDR and the amended constitutional framework. Discussions emphasised the collective responsibility of lawmakers in refining these foundational laws. It is anticipated that the finalised amendments will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly for consideration, with the aim of being tabled for endorsement during the Extraordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly, tentatively scheduled for October or November 2025.

This Regulatory Impact Assessment Workshop represents a pivotal milestone in promoting a more inclusive, transparent, and evidence-informed legislative process in Lao PDR. It reaffirms the unwavering commitment to reform, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen good governance and the rule of law in the country.

This collaboration between LuxDev and the National Assembly underscores the critical role of international partnerships in driving legislative reform, ensuring that Lao PDR continues to progress toward a stronger, more responsive government that can meet the needs of its citizens.

The ROLAG Programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education and Sports, LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, ILSTA and the University of Luxembourg.