Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC) said on August 1 that it will invite national and international observers to monitor and verify the results of the fifth general election.

The process is scheduled to begin at the NEC headquarters in Phnom Penh on August 3.

Eight political parties contested in the poll, but only two parties gained seats in the parliament.

According to the initial unofficial results, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen won the majority with 68 seats, and the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) gained the remaining 55 seats.

However, the CNRP on August 1 rejected the results and called for the establishment of a joint committee to investigate irregularities during the poll. It also threatened to stage widespread demonstrations on August 4.

Earlier, PM Hun Sen said that his government and party welcome any NEC mechanism which allows the participation of political parties and non-governmental organisations to solve remaining problems in the election.-VNA