The Lao People's Party is the ruling political party in Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Founded in 1955, it is a Marxist-Leninist party that emphasizes socialism and the leadership of the working class. The party has maintained a single-party system since the end of the Laotian Civil War in 1975, when it established control over the country. The party's primary goals include promoting economic development, social stability, and national unity. It operates under a centralized government structure, with the party playing a significant role in all aspects of governance. The Lao People's Party also focuses on maintaining close ties with other socialist countries, particularly Vietnam.