The World - News from Nov. 21, 1988

Laotians went to the polls in the first nationwide election since the Communists seized power in the Southeast Asian nation in 1975, the official radio said. The provincial and municipal elections are the second stage of a three-tier process begun in June to fill 651 seats on administrative committees to the People’s Supreme Assembly. The voting, which paves the way for parliamentary elections that are expected next year, is also seen as part of a cautious opening of Laos’ political and economic systems along the lines of reforms in the Soviet Union, a close ally. Elections officials said complete results will not be known until next month.