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Laos Constitution was adopted on 14th August, 1991 sixteen years after the establishment of the LPDR by SPA, the highest legislative organ. In 1975 the SPA was charged with drafting a Constitution. But no relevant result was found. After much consultation in 1984 SPA formalize a fifteen-person drafting committee.
The absence of Laos Constitution created a lot of problem. Without a fixed law international development agencies were reluctant to invest in Laos. In 1980 Vientiane adopted a revised Constitution and Cambodia did the same in 1981. The formation of the Constitute underwent many controversies. Finally in 1990 the SPA made public the draft constitution made by the LPRP Politburo and the Secretary.
There was discussion held regarding the draft first among the official and the government then with the public. However the basic strategy of the constitution of Laos remained unchanged. Liberal market economy was embraced. But the monopoly of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party was preserved though for them "building socialism" had become only a theoretical goal. Its relation with the other countries expanded. But foreign assistance was still a dream because of poverty, remoteness and increasing anomalousness.
Constitution in Laoswas inspired by Eastern Europe and Soviet Union. But this one party system was criticized by many intellectuals and officials. They asked to convert it to multi party system to bring democracy freedom and prosperity to the people. Even students abroad supported the call for free election. Ultimately the government succumbs to their demand. Though Laos Constitution grants much freedom to the public in most cases it remains theoretical.
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