NEC allows political parties to campaign, removes ban by authority

 

Tep Nitha

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) – The National Election Committee (NEC) yesterday removed a ban by Phnom Penh authority which didn’t allow political parties to parade and campaign at public places during council election campaign. 

In a letter yesterday, the NEC called on the city and provincial authorities to maintain security for all political parties to hold campaigns for city, provincial and district council election. 

“The NEC already removed the ban by authority by calling on the city and provincial authorities make it easy for all political parties during council election campaign in accordance law and procedure of election,” said NEC’s secretary general Tep Nitha on Wednesday.

The NEC lifted the ban on election campaign at public places after there was criticism over its bias, influenced by the Phnom Penh authority. 

The move was welcomed by non-government organizations. 

Kol Panha, Executive Director of the Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia (COMFREL), considered the ban removal as a move for free and fair election. 

The council election campaign entered sixth day, starting from May 2 and will come to an end on May 16, while the election day is scheduled for May 18.

Five political parties compete in the election.