The office of the President of the People's Democratic Republic traces its lineage back to Prince Souphanouvong, the first President of the People's Democratic Republic, a member of the deposed royal family and one of the Three Princes, who became President when the former Kingdom of Laos was overthrow by the Pathet Lao in 1975, at the end of the Laotian Civil War.

A candidate must receive at least two-thirds support from lawmakers present and voting in order to be elected.

[2] The president represents Laos internally and externally, supervises the work as well as preserving the stability of the national governmental system and safeguards the independence and territorial integrity of the country.

Additionally, the President is the commander-in-chief of the Lao People's Armed Forces.

Since Laos is a one-party state, all the presidents of the People's Democratic Republic have been members of the party while holding office.