King Norodom Sihamoni called on the general public – and specifically all young people who become eligible to vote this year – to cast their ballots in the commune council elections on June 5.

“I would like to solemnly call on all compatriots who are eligible to vote to please go and cast your ballots,” he said in a letter dated March 30 and made public on May 10.

He added that the Sunday, June 5, elections would be done by secret ballot under the rules of Cambodia’s multi-party democratic system and that no voter needs to worry about repression, threats or intimidation by any candidate or party as a result of their vote.

“I ask my compatriots to exercise your rights and freedom to vote – in confidence and according to your own personal conscience – for whichever candidate or political party you choose,” he said.

Sok Eysan, spokesman of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), told The Post on May 10 that the King’s statement was not unusual and reflected his duties in his role as Cambodia’s constitutional monarch and head of state.

Eysan said the King’s calls to the people to fulfil their obligation to vote freely and decide the country’s fate are always appropriately non-partisan.

“It is customary for him to call on his people to vote prior to every election. It isn’t a cause for worry because it is part of his role as father of the people, regardless of their political affiliations. We should all heed his words and vote on June 5,” he said.

He added that 17 political parties were set to take part in this election and all of them had the same right to campaign and publicise their political platforms so that the people can make comparisons between them and vote for the party that they believe will most benefit and develop the nation.

Grassroots Democratic Party (GDP) spokesman Loek Sothea told The Post that the party is thankful to the King for reminding the people to exercise their right to elect local leaders of their own choosing.

“The GDP is happy and excited that our King has a generous heart and is always thinking of social justice and democracy in Cambodia. We would like to profoundly thank the King for issuing this statement,” he said.

National Election Committee (NEC) spokesman Som Sorida said the King considered the commune council elections to be a valuable opportunity for the people to show their will to elect their choice of legitimate representatives to develop their villages and communes.

He also encouraged more people to vote beyond party members or activists by reminding them that Cambodia uses a secret ballot and is a multi-party democracy so they do not need to worry about threats or intimidation from any person or party due to their choice of candidates, Sorida noted.

“The [King’s] words were precious. He is not only the guardian of his children – the Cambodian people – he also took the time to instruct them on their responsibility to participate in the upcoming elections,” he said.