Phnom Penh bans election campaigning marches in major streets

Phnom Penh (VNA) – All political parties of Cambodia are prohibited from marching in most of major and important streets in Phnom Penh to campaign for the upcoming commune council elections slated for June 4.

In a notice sent to the National Election Commission (NEC) of Cambodia on May 5, the Phnom Penh administration said the ban aims to ensure public security and order and avoid traffic congestions in the city.

Crowded places such as markets, parks and statues are also included in the list of banned areas.

NEC’s speaker Hang Puthea said that NEC supports the Phnom Penh’s ban and called on all political parties to follow the instruction.

Cambodia plans to deploy over 37,500 security staff to the polls nationwide to ensure security, order and safety throughout the election.

Election campaigns will last for 12 days from May 20 to June 2. The election will see the competition of 12 political parties, including the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

As many as 7.87 million voters have registered to cast their votes to choose leaders of 1,646 communes and wards across the country.

The commune/ward election of Cambodia takes place every five years. In the previous event on June 2, 2012, the CPP won 1,592 out of 1,633 seats, accounting for 97 percent.-VNA