The National Election Committee has created a pair of new commissions, with one aimed at keeping relevant stakeholders informed of the reformed body’s activities and another coordinating electoral activities with Provincial Election Committees.

The commissions, which NEC spokesman Hang Puthea yesterday said were created with the goal of increasing transparency, will both be led by NEC chairman Sik Bun Hok.

The first commission will see former CNRP lawmaker Kuoy Bunroeun and ex-Interior Ministry official Duch Sorn tasked with communicating with the government; longtime NEC member Mean Satik and former Supreme Court prosecutor Hing Thirith will be put in charge of judicial and legislative affairs; NEC stalwart Em Sophat and former union leader Rong Chhun will communicate with political parties; and retired civil servant Te Manirong and Hang Puthea, former head of election watchdog Nicfec, will communicate with NGOs, civil society associations and media outlets.

The second commission will coordinate activities between the NEC and the provincial committees, as well as share issues and suggestions within the provinces and report them back to the election body.

Comfrel executive director Koul Panha aired optimism yesterday that the new commissions will strengthen the NEC’s ability to operate.

“Before, most communications or requests were made to the chairman of the NEC. Sometimes, there was no response,” he said. “Now . . . I hope that its work will be easier and faster.”