CPP gained more than 80% in municipal election

Mr. Tep Nytha (L), speaking at a press conference on the afternoon of 17th May.

As many as 270 polling stations opened at 07.00 across the country for more than 11,000 voters to cast their ballots in the Council Election – the first of its kind in the country.

Voters will elect 3,235 delegates to 193 local councils, including 373 to 24 provincial and municipal councils. Running for the election campaign were candidates from the Cambodia People’s Party, Sam Rainsy Party, Funcinpec Party and Norodom Ranarith Party.

Polling stations were closed at 15.00 the same day and the official results will be announced in the next 10 days.

According to Tep Nytha, general secretary of the National Election Committee (NEC), 270 observers from non-governmental organisations were invited to scrutinise the election which is expected to cost the Cambodian Royal Government US$1.5 million.

The Council Election is considered a big step toward accelerating the government’s administrative reform, aimed at giving more power to local administrations in making their socio-economic development plans.

Observers forecast that the Cambodian People’s Party would gain more than 80 percent of the total number of seats.

More reports here: CPP leading in early counting in municipal election.