An NGO has filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Unit against senior National Election Committee members for “colluding to commit corruption inside an independent institution”, relating to a transfer of the body’s employees from independent contractors to government officials.

The complaint, signed by Ros Sarom, director of Victory Intelligent Standard Association, who claimed to represent 10,000 intellectuals, government officials and NGO workers, was filed on June 2 and addresses nine NEC members, but specifically accuses four members – Sik Bun Hok, Kuoy Bunroeun, Hang Puthea and Mao Sophearith – of corruption.

“The 9 members, especially the director, deputy director, spokesman, and deputy secretary general colluded with one another to commit severe corruption in appointing and integrating civil servants in the general secretariat of the NEC,” the complaint reads.

Sarom said he had evidence to back up the accusation but refused to divulge any further details about the complaint and supporting documents, but offered to go to jail if the accusations were false.

Following a royal decree in February, the leadership and staff of the NEC became government officials instead of independent contractors.

ACU boss Om Yentieng confirmed the body had received the complaint and that they would look into it today.

“Three members from the association will be present and they can talk to us [about the complaint],” he said.

NEC spokesman Hang Puthea said that the complaint was “baseless” and, if proven wrong, could amount to defamation.