CPP drawn in first spot for elections in Senate

THE National Election Committee (NEC) held a random draw to determine the ballot order for next month’s Senate elections, with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party taking the first spot.

“On behalf of the NEC and on my own behalf, I strongly believe that the holding of the draw at this moment will be conducted in accordance with the right procedure and in a clear, fair and transparent manner,” said NEC Chairman Sik Bun Hok, according to an official translation of his speech.

Fifty-eight senators will be elected by members of local commune councils, with the National Assembly nominating another two and the King nominating two more.

The CPP currently dominates the political arena at all levels following November’s dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, and has enough votes to sweep every elected seat in the Senate.

The Khmer National United Party, the Cambodian Youth Party, and royalist Funcinpec are also contesting the vote. CYP and Funcinpec were accused of being satellite parties to the CPP after they filed complaints seeking the dissolution of the CNRP.

In the draw for ballot placement, the CPP was chosen for the first position, followed by CYP, KNUP and Funcinpec. When Bun Hok announced the parties before the draw, he listed them in the exact same order.

Yoeurng Sotheara, of election watchdog Comfrel, said his organisation will not observe the election.

“They’re going to win all of the seats in the Senate,” he said, referring to the ruling party.