Cambodia: Ruling CPP takes lead in communal elections

Vote counting in Cambodia (Photo: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) maintained its leading position in the communal elections which took place on June 4 by winning 1,163 communes and wards nationwide.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) earned victory in 482 communes and wards, according to Fresh News, which has the largest number of visits in Cambodia.

If the results are confirmed, the CPP wins against the CNRP in provinces of Pursat, Mondolkiri and Kep, but loses in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Siem Riep and Kompong provinces.

Preliminary results are being updated on Cambodia’s national television channel TVK by the National Election Committee (NEC).

According to NEC President Sik Bunhok, 85.74 percent of 7.8 million registered voters cast ballots on June 4.

Addressing a press conference, Sik Bunhok said that the commune elections had been conducted smoothly after two weeks of campaigning.

Official results will be revealed on June 25 after examining complaints from the parties.

Twelve political parties contested the elections, with the ruling CPP and the opposition CNRP the major contestants.

Authorised agencies said about 40,000 soldiers and police officers were mobilised to ensure security for the elections.

Nearly 75,000 observers monitored the elections, with about 100 international observers from the US, Japan and the European Union.-VNA