The CPP launches its Senate election campaign in Kampong Speu province on February 10. CPP
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has reiterated that it will respect the rules, procedures and ethics of the upcoming election of the fifth-legislature Senate and its outcome.
The National Election Committee (NEC) announced that the first day of election campaigning, February 10, had run smoothly.
CPP president Hun Sen published a same-day statement, saying the CPPP is committed to applying its platform to the best of its abilities, in order to preserve peace and protect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cambodia. The CPP would continue to do its best to strengthen and expand democracy and the rule of law, at both the national and sub-national levels.
“We will continue to develop the Kingdom, ensuring that people become more prosperous, and live with harmony, human dignity, freedom and justice,” he said.
He continued that the CPP would collaborate with other political parties and the relevant authorities at all levels to maintain a political environment of liberty and justice, while preserving public order and ensuring a safe electoral process.
He called on parliamentarians and commune council members across the country to go to the polls.
The CPP launched its Senate campaign on February 10 in Phnom Penh, Oddar Meanchey, Kampot, Prey Veng, Kampong Speu and Preah Sihanouk provinces.
Neth Pheaktra, a member of the party’s central committee and head of the campaign working group in Kratie province, noted that the Senate election is non-universal, but of great importance in strengthening the democratic process and the rule of law in Cambodia.
“Our party is the only one that played a core role in national salvation. The CPP brought about comprehensive peace and the development we all enjoy today. No other party could ever replace the CPP,” he said.
The Khmer Will Party (KWP), one of the four parties contesting the election, also began campaigning on February 10, gathering its members at its headquarters and addressing them through a megaphone.
“Each of our members is committed to respecting the instructions of the Candlelight Party, who urge a vote for the KWP,” it said via social media, in reference to its main ally which was disqualified in the 2023 general election for allegedly failing to comply with the NEC rules and regulations.
The two other registered parties – the royalist FUNCINPEC and the Nation Power Party – did not conduct parades on the first day of campaigning.
But on February 11, FUNCINPEC leaders in Kandal province led a 100-person procession in Takhmao town’s Prek Hou commune, just outside the capital.
NEC announced that the first day was free of conflict or tension.
“Thanks to excellent cooperation between the authorities, the capital and provincial election commissions, and the four political parties, the first day of campaigning ran smoothly in a non-violent, safe manner with good public order. No untoward incidents were reported,” it said.
The campaign period will run for 14 days, from February 10-23. Only the four parties have registered to contest the February 25 elections.
