A local official issues an election information card to a voter in Preah Sihanouk province in May. PHOTO SUPPLIED
As the general election approaches, Prime Minister Hun Sen has issued a sub-decree to extend the validity of expired Cambodian new model ID cards, enabling their use for the July 23 election.
Composed of five articles, the sub-decree was jointly signed by Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng on June 20.
“New model ID cards from Cambodia set to expire in 2022 and 2023 will be considered valid for the duration of the 7th parliamentary election until the official results are announced. Any provisions conflicting with the sub-decree’s contents will be rendered invalid,” the sub-decree outlined.
National Election Committee (NEC) spokesperson Hang Puthea welcomed the decision to renew the expired ID cards, noting that this move would simplify the voting process for those who had not yet obtained their new ID cards.
“This facilitates people’s ability to vote without needing to validate ID cards, thus increasing voter turnout and promoting confidence in the society. Voting is their democratic right,” he said.
Sam Kuntheamy, executive director of the NGO Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC), also lauded the government’s decision, believing it would encourage more participation in the election.
“This is an excellent step towards encouraging more voters who have expired Cambodian ID cards to vote. But, the government should publicise this change more broadly to reach all those affected,” he added.
FUNCINPEC spokesman Nhoeun Raden echoed the sentiment, saying it would give all citizens an opportunity to vote.
“This is a laudable initiative. I urge all citizens to prepare and check the necessary documents to vote according to their will and rights to elect a leader,” he said.
The NEC disclosed on June 20 that between May 28 and June 19, it had issued over 8.3 million out of 9,710,655 voter information cards for the election.
Yorng Sak, head of the Banteay Meanchey province’s election commission, reported that the distribution of voter information cards there was successful and peaceful.
“This work was done because we had had cooperated with our members in communes, villages and our groups in villages to give out the cards to people whose names are on the voter lists. Almost all people in the province had received the cards,” he added.
“The residents have recognised the importance of the election, polling stations and the election date, thanks to our successful cooperation with local groups,” Sak explained.
