National Police chief Neth Savoeun leads a meeting to discuss security for campaigning in the lead-up to the July 23 election. POLICE
National Police chief Neth Savoeun, who also serves as head of the Secretariat for Permanent Security Command for Elections, has reported that public order has so far been well maintained during the national election campaign.
Savoeun’s statement came during his inspection of the first group of the secretariat’s personnel, stationed to maintain security during the upcoming July 23 election.
“The security and order situation has been good during the election campaign since July 1,” he said.
The police chief urged all forces to exert full effort in ensuring the smooth and successful process of the election campaign, with a strong focus on security, order and nonviolence.
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The National Election Committee (NEC) echoed these sentiments in a press release issued on the evening of July 3, stating that the election campaign is proceeding smoothly and without violence, with political parties conducting their campaigns within their means.
“Political parties have been conducting election campaigns, mostly by playing loudspeakers at their parties and mobilising in villages, distributing leaflets, posting stickers in public and gathering. Most activities are done by [ruling] Cambodian People’s Party (CPP),” it said.
Soeung Sen Karua, a spokesperson for rights group Adhoc, agreed with the statements made by the NEC and the National Police.
“With the strict measures taken by authorities and the recent law amendments, there is no obstruction and no one is barring the electoral progress,” he remarked.
The secretariat’s team is tasked with monitoring the implementation of laws and regulations related to the election, as well as the enforcement of NEC regulations and procedures, throughout the election period. The campaign for the general election lasts for 21 days, from July 1 to July 21.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, has also noted the smooth process of the election campaign in its initial days. He encouraged the NEC and the authorities to continue maintaining good order and called on all participating parties to have a clear programme and avoid any incidents.
“We should have a lot of experiences, including this election, in strengthening order and security. This year, I think party activists have more understanding without insulting. I think, the upcoming election is going well,” he said.
