Prime Minister Hun Sen unveiled a draft amendment to the electoral law on June 16, following its submission to the National Assembly the previous day. He eagerly anticipates the response from opposition groups.
Hun Sen seeks an election free from disruption and delay, citing concerns about attempts to undermine confidence in the electoral process. He warned those causing such disruptions could face penalties, including fines.
During a gathering with nearly 20,000 workers from six factories in Cheung Prey and Batheay districts, Kampong Cham province, the Prime Minister warned, “We must prevent your goal, which you destroy.”
“Insiders must be cautious,” he admonished, concerning the law’s enforcement. He declared it necessary to guard against internal influences manipulated by external forces.
On June 13, the Prime Minister announced plans to amend the Constitution’s election-related clauses following a social media campaign encouraging voters to boycott the July 23 general election. An overseas opposition group initiated this campaign.
The proposed amendments require anyone vying for public office to participate in at least one subsequent election after these changes come into effect.
Under the draft amendments, known as Articles 142 and 143, Hun Sen indicated that candidates causing disruptions would face penalties.
Article 142 provides for fines from five to 20 million riel for anyone disrupting the voting process or encouraging eligible voters to abstain. The National Election Committee (NEC) could impose additional criminal penalties.
Article 143 permits the NEC to deregister a political party causing disruptions or fine it 10 to 30 million riel, with potential for further criminal penalties.
