The National Election Committee (NEC) has announced the deadline for registration applications of observers of the upcoming 5th Senate election. The election is scheduled for February 25 next year.
NEC chairman Prach Chan issued a statement earlier this month explaining that all registered political parties are entitled to appoint representatives to observe voter registration at polling stations and the General Secretariat of the National Assembly.
“Applications from political parties will be accepted from October 11 to January 30, 2024. Separately, the registration period of political party agents for the elections themselves – and the counting of ballots – will be open from January 27, 2024 to February 2, 2024,” it said.
All submissions must be signed by the president of the party, or a representative who has received a written transfer from the president. This authorisation is non-transferable, unless specifically mentioned in the letter.
“In order to allow all political parties, associations and NGOs to observe the voter registration process, the NEC has decided to allow political party agents, local and international observers who have already been recognised for the 2023 voter registration and verification process to observe that for the Senate election,” it added.
All observers at the communes must wear ID card and respect the laws, regulations and procedures in place.
“The NEC hopes that all participants will fully cooperate and ensure the success of the 5th Senate election,” added the statement.
NEC spokesman Som Sorida said this announcement was issued in order to allow all stakeholders to participate in the process.
“The NEC’s work must be transparent, with the participation and observation of all stakeholders, especially political party agents and domestic and international agents, as well as national and international journalists,” he added.
Kimsour Phirith, spokesman for the Candlelight Party, said on October 10 that his party may not be able to register observers, as the Ministry of Interior has not issued a new registration certificate to them.
He noted that running in the election may not be possible, even though his party has commune council representatives in office.
Sam Kuntheamy, executive director of the NGO Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC), could not be reached for comment on October 11.
The date of the fifth mandate senate elections was first announced on July 18.
