The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) on October 15 announced a five-point statement on the reforms for future elections.

“Based on the Constitution and existing laws of Cambodia as well as the outcomes of the meeting between the CPP and the Cambodia National Rescue Party on September 16, the CPP would like to announce to the national and international opinion its stance and commitment to conducting reform in the next elections in accordance with the democracy and the rule of law,” said the statement.

The CPP proposed the amendment of laws and regulations related to elections, including the election law, the law on political parties, election regulations and procedures to ensure the perfection of the election process, it added.

The Party also proposed for more legal frameworks to continue promoting honesty and transparency of the election process such as the draft of law on political parties' budget.

In addition, the CPP affirmed to welcome national and international recommendations related to the elections and planned to set up an appropriate mechanism to conduct studies and research so as to create an election reform framework in line with the democratic, free, and fair principles.

The CPP appealed to national and international communities to continue to support the perfection of legal system and democracy in contribution to the cause of national reconciliation and unity, peace, stability and development in Cambodia, concluded the statement.

In another development, CPP spokesperson Cheam Yeap on October 16 said that General Secretary of the FUNCINPEC Party Nhiek Bun Chay, former Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, has been appointed as advisor to the new government.

FUNCINPEC failed to win any seat during the recent general election while the CPP won 68 of the 123 parliamentary seats and the Cambodia National Rescue Party got the remaining 55.-VNA