The National Election Committee (NEC) has asked the apex law enforcement agency to work with it and ensure that legal action is taken against perceived fake news or incitement in the run-up to the June 5 commune council elections.
This is according to a letter from NEC secretary-general Tep Nytha addressed to National Police chief General Neth Savoeun, who doubles as the head of the secretariat of the permanent security command for the elections.
“To ensure that the commune council elections in the fifth mandate goes smoothly, peacefully, securely, safely, with public order, and without violence, fear or threats, the NEC requests the secretariat … to review and take action as allowed by law” should any such issues arise, Nytha said in the letter.
He stressed that fake news and incitement could lead to discrimination against a racial or religious group or create undue risk to security, public order, defence, the economy, or relations with other countries, potentially undermining the credibility of the elections.
Prevention would also help curtail public insults directed against any candidate or political party, he explained.
