Official Defends Role of National Election Body

By Mean Veasna,

VOA Khmer Phnom Penh

28 March 2008

The National Election Committee is preparing voter information and seeking funding to stage general elections in July, Tep Nytha, secretary-general for the national body said Thursday.
About 8.12 million voters have registered, and the election will cost nearly $17 million, he said, as a guest on "Hello VOA."
The NEC is currently seeking about $2.5 million from donors to stage the election, he said.
He recommended voters keep their documents safe ahead of Election Day and reminded political parties to prepare documents for registration, which begins April 28.
The NEC has already begun preparations for the election, including the creation of voter information cards and the search for suitable ballot sites.
Tep Nytha defended accusations of NEC bias, saying the NEC was not the sole organization to hear complaints.
Parties that do not agree with NEC decisions can file an appeal to the Constitutional Council, he said, adding that it was normal for complainants to be dissatisfied with some resolutions.