Cambodia tightens security for local council elections

The Cambodian government plans to deploy more than 27,100 police to safeguard the council election in all its towns, districts, cities and provinces in May, said government sources.

The deployment is aimed at guaranteeing safety and order for the election, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng was quoted as saying by the state-run Television Kampuchea.

"We want the election process to be free and fair with justice," he said.

Cambodia will hold its nationwide election for positions of district, provincial and municipal councils on May 17 as part of its government's drive to transfer more decision-making power to localities.