A cyclist rides past an electoral hoarding of Cambodia's Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Hun Sen, in Phnom Penh on July 26, 2018.(Photo: AFP/VNA) PhnomPenh (VNA) – Entertainment businesses in Cambodia are asked tohalt their activities on July 22-23 to ensure the country’s 7th NationalAssembly election goes smoothly, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
In a directive issued on May 16, the ministry requestedentertainment establishments including karaoke parlors, bars, discos, nightclubs, andpubs nationwide to temporarily suspend operations on July 22-23. However, tourism businesses canserve food and soft drink but not beer and alcohol during the two days.
The ministry asked the directors of tourism departments in provinces andcities to inform and instruct owners and managers of tourism service businessesto implement the request. The move is expected to help prevent violence,traffic accidents, and incidents that drinking can cause.
As of mid-May, 18 political parties in Cambodia wererecognised by the National Election Committee (NEC) for the upcomingelection. To date, the NEC has also recognised 15,169 domesticobservers and special guests to oversee the election. As many as 190 reportersfrom 30 domestic and international press agencies and media are allowed toreport about the election.
Cambodia is scheduled to hold a general election for the 125-seatNational Assembly on July 23, 2023, and more than 9.7 million Cambodianshave registered to cast their ballots.
In the last general election held five years ago, 20 politicalparties participated in the race. As a result, the ruling Cambodian People'sParty won all the 125 seats in the parliament./.
