[1] An estimated 40 percent of the members of the 7th Central Committee retired from active politics, and were succeeded by 19 officials from wide ethnic backgrounds.

"[citation needed] Members of the 7th Central Committee who were not reelected were Sileua Bounkham, Thongvang Sihachak, Oneneua Phommachanh‚ Bouathong Vonglokham, Khamkeut Veunkham, Sengnyong Vongchanhkham, Cheuying Vang, Le Kakanya, Boualane Silipanya, Kenekham Senglathone, Siane Saphangthong, Siho Bannavong and Phoumi Thipphavone.

[citation needed] It has been rumored that sons of leading officials have been appointed to high office because certain segments of the leadership have struck deals to promote each other's children to the Central Committee so as to secure their political and economic futures.

[2] Choummaly Sayasone, the Vice President of Laos, succeeded Khamtai as party general secretary.

[2] While no one left their posts, two new members were elected to the politburo; Somsavat Lengsavat and Pany Yathothu, who was the first ethnic Hmong and first woman to be appointed to that body.