The new government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet has confirmed the retention of the Supreme Council for Consultation and Recommendations, in order to maintain inclusiveness for each of the political parties that contested the general election.

The council was established by former Prime Minister Hun Sen following the 2018 general election as a step towards a “culture of dialogue among all political parties”.

Although most parties failed to secure seats in the National Assembly, they successfully registered with the Ministry of Interior. The government will continue to gather input from them for the benefit of the nation, explained a Council of Ministers press release following its August 24 plenary meeting.

After the 2023 election victory, former Prime Minister Hun Sen suggested that the council’s mandate be extended under the 7th-mandate government, noting that it was a practical use of human resources that could assist development, and also a way of promoting the spirit of national unity towards a prosperous future.

He advised that the council include representatives of all parties that registered for the ballot, although they did not win a single seat in the National Assembly.

The mandate of the council came to an end at the same time as each government mandate concludes. The terms and conditions of each council will be announced in a royal decree, although it generally allows for at least three dignitaries from each party to take part.