What is the importance of the Constitution?

The Constitution is something that every country has, and all constitutions around the world are unique in their own way but share the same objective, which is to ensure stability in a nation. To mark the 31st anniversary of the National Constitution Day, Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on this matter.

 
Mr Bounthavy, an official in Luang Prabang province: My point is that the Constitution is a set of rules and laws which is to be followed by everyone in the country. This opens the gateway for an organised process for most of the work in our country. Also, there are rules and laws in the Constitution which provide basic rights to all the citizens of the country and protects us. The Constitution is a written instrument which serves as the embodiment of the rules of a political or social organisation. These rules and regulations lay down the base of the nation so that it can run without any sort of issue or dispute, and in case any problem occurs in the legal and governmental sectors or between the masses of the country and the judiciary.
 
Ms Talo, a government official in Vientiane province: I think the constitution of any country is important because of the fact that it lays down all the legal and cultural aspects under which its people and the governmental bodies will be governed, and when there are foreign interactions in personal affairs every now and then by international organisations. The executive, the legislature and the judiciary are the main organs of the government that the Constitution establishes. These three pillars are the source of stability of any country, and without them, the only thing that will rise is terror and corruption among the masses.
 
Ms Noy, a resident in Borikhamxay province: I don’t understand much about this but I know a constitution provides the basis for governance in a country, which is essential to making sure that everyone’s interests and needs are addressed. It determines how laws are made, and details the process by which the government rules. It determines the relationship of the citizens with the government. It protects and provides the basic rights to all the citizens of a country.  It specifies how the government will be elected and who will have the power and the responsibility to take important decisions.

Mr Phouvone Vilaithong, an official in Champassak province: A Constitution is superior to all the laws of the country, which means any law or provision that is circulated in the nation is passed down by the Constitution itself. Every law enacted by the government has to be in accordance with the Constitution and this means that no one or no legal body will be able to speak against the Constitution, otherwise the strength of the nation will be affected.
 
Mr Outhid Buathong, an employee in Xaythany district: The Constitution is the spine of the nation and we should respect its existence and dignity while making sure that its rules and provisions are followed by each and everyone in the nation. The Constitution of a country guarantees some rights and provisions for individuals or group of people to ensure their well-being and dignity. It helps the people of a country to avail of all their basic rights. Some of the most basic rights that are protected by the Constitution are right to life, right to freedom, right to property and the right to participate freely in the democratic system.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update August 16, 2022)