Cambodia approves amended law on political parties
The National Assembly (NA) of Cambodia approved an amended Law on Political Parties on February 20.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (centre) has proposed amending a political party law to bar convicts from serving as party leaders (Photo: digitaljournal.com)
Phnom Penh (VNA) – The National Assembly (NA) of
Cambodia approved an amended Law on Political Parties on February 20.
The law was approved at an extraordinary meeting chaired by NA
Chairman Heng Samrin with the participation of 66 lawmakers of the ruling
Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP)’s lawmakers
boycotted the meeting.
According to the newly-approved law, people with criminal
records are barred from holding the chair and vice chair of political parties. Those
who commit serious offences will be banned from political involvement and their
parties can be dissolved.
Earlier, CPP lawmakers submitted a proposal of draft
amendments to the law to the NA on February 10, following a suggestion from Prime
Minister Hun Sen on January 31.
President
of CNRP Sam Rainsy resigned and left the Party on February 11 before the draft
amended law was reviewed by the NA’s permanent committee.
The
Cambodian NA comprises 123 lawmakers, with the CPP holding 68 seats and the
CNRP, 55 seats. The approval of a law needs over 50 percent votes of
lawmakers.-VNA