Minister of Interior Sar Kheng commended authorities at all levels for their joint efforts in strengthening security, public order and social safety which create a favourable environment for the upcoming commune elections scheduled for June 5.

Sar Kheng – who is also vice-president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and head of its working group for Prey Veng province – was speaking during a virtual meeting to review the results of the implementation of the CPP’s joint plan for the commune council elections in Prey Veng.

He said authorities had made great efforts to maintain peace, political stability, public order and social security.

He said that despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, authorities have worked hard to fulfill their duties by supporting the public to check the voter list and assist with new registrations, as well as other important tasks.

Som Sorida, spokesman for the National Election Committee (NEC), told The Post on November 14 that the NEC and the ministries of Interior and National Defence had signed a joint memorandum of understanding to protect security, safety and public order in the election process from 2021 to 2024.

He said that through this inter-institutional arrangement, the NEC and the two ministries have taken action and implemented it in accordance with their respective authorities. The election process requires the protection of security and public order so that people can go to the polls without fear and intimidation.

“The preparation of the voter list, registration of political parties, election campaign, counting of votes and the announcement of election results ran smoothly in the previous elections,” he said.

Sorida said the NEC and the two ministries have the experience to support a successful election.

The government has set June 5 as the date for the 5th mandate commune council election.