Wednesday, October 25, 2017

CNRP prepares a list of candidates for the election of Senate despite threat of dissolution of the party

Tin Sokhavuth



The opposition party CNRP is preparing a list of candidates for the upcoming election of Senate despite its president Mr. Kem Sokha is in custody, and a lawsuit for the dissolution of the party.

Mr. Mao Monivann, CNRP's vice president, told reporters on Wednesday that his party is preparing a list of candidates and necessary documents in order to send to the National Election Committee (NEC) for the committee to register CNRP candidates for the upcoming 4th term election of the Senate next year.

"Our party won a number of seats at all governmental level because Cambodian people have supported us. As the result, we will continues our activity until the day our party should be dissolved, we will see what we should do next [...]," said Mr. Monivann.

However, so far, the NEC has been only registered candidates from the ruling party CPP for the election.

Mr. Kouy Bunreuon, vice president of the National Election Committee (NEC), earlier this month, told reporters that political parties need to deposit 15 million riel ($3683.25) at the National Treasury to be candidate for the upcoming election of Senate. And they could take their money back only if they have a chance to win at least one sit at the Senate.

Mr. Bunreuon added that the registration for the election would take place from October 16 to October 30. The date for the election is scheduled to be on January 14 next year.

The election of Senate is held every six years. Only lawmakers from the National Assembly and commune councilors from across the country can vote to choose Senators.

The current Senate has only 61 seats. But one more sit would be added to the Senate next year. 46 Senators are from the ruling party CPP, other 11 are from the opposition party CNRP, two are nominated by the King, and two others are nominated by the National Assembly.

The Senate only has the power to approve legislation passed by the National Assembly. However, its president could act as the head of the State in the absence of the King.

No comments: