The National Election Committee (NEC) says it is committed to pursuing the principle of cooperation with all stakeholders, and will also continue to enact appropriate electoral reform in accordance with the spirit of the Kingdom’s election laws.
This was reiterated by NEC chairman Prach Chan in response to a question from UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia Vitit Muntarbhorn, who made inquiries regarding the NEC’s positions. Vitit met with Chan on August 22.
“If there are no amendments to the law, the NEC will rely on the law currently in force to administer the 7th national election,” said Chan.
The election is scheduled for July 23 next year.
He added that the NEC is preparing to review the voter lists and registration, and will have done so before it prepares a master plan for the election.
During the meeting, Vitit also asked the NEC to clarify the composition of the committee, to ensure it either did not contain any members who were closely affiliated with any political party or had members who were part of all of the parties intending to contest the election.
In response, Chan said the composition of the NEC was in accordance with all applicable laws and provisions. This meant that the citizens and civil servants who were members of the committee – at all levels – had no political affiliation.
He also explained that the mixed composition and counting record (Form 1102), which provided data of the election results, was provided to agents appointed by each political party. They had the right to accept and sign the results, or refute them.
The special rapporteur also queried safety and security around the election, with Chan assuring him that mechanisms were in place to guarantee both safety and security. The King had called on his people to go to the polls without fear, so there was certainly no reason for any member of the public to be afraid, he added.
“Based on the spirit of the 1993 Constitution, Cambodia holds its elections every five years – both national and local – in accordance with the provisions of the electoral law, which promotes democracy in the Kingdom,” said Chan.
From 1998 to the present, Cambodia has held national and sub-national elections in accordance with the principles of a liberal multi-party democracy a total of 16 times. This achievement is a clear indicator of support from all stakeholders, both domestic and international, he added.
