9.7 million Cambodian voters are eligible to vote for a new National Assembly.

Cambodians will go to the polls in a general election on July 23 to elect members of the seventh National Assembly , marking an important prelude to the selection of city and district councils.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, 70, has led the Southeast Asian nation for 38 years as the country's long-serving leader since 1985. The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) led by Hun Sen currently holds all seats in parliament.

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament and holds general elections every five years. In the 2023 Cambodian election, all Cambodian citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote and voting is not compulsory.

Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) has released the official voter list, with about 9.7 million registered voters, representing about 89% of Cambodia's total population aged 18 and over, for the election, electing 125 parliamentarians and political parties that will lead the country for the next five-year term.

The NEC has recognized 18 political parties as eligible to compete in the general election, including the ruling CPP. Previously, the main opposition Candlelight Party (CP) in the country was disqualified by the NEC due to invalid documents.

In late May, Mr. Dim Sovannarom, a member of the NEC, told the Khmer Times that two major international organizations, including the Francophone Electoral Skills Network (RECEF) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), would send delegations to act as observers for the upcoming general election in Cambodia, but it was not yet clear how many would come.

“I am pleased to know that RECEF and CEDEAO will send observers to the country’s general elections,” said Mr. Sovannarom, adding that RECEF includes 88 member states and development partners, including the European Centre for Electoral Assistance and International Electoral Assistance for Democracy.

The election will be held on July 23, and the election campaign will take place from July 1-21 .

Minh Duc (According to Anadolu Agency, Khmer Times)

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