The Cambodian parliament on Wednesday officially swore in some 38 newly elected lawmakers after they resigned from the Senate in order to maintain their government positions.
Heng Samrin, the National Assembly president, signed a letter authorizing their membership of the legislature.
The 38 ruling Cambodian People’s Party members represent 15 constituencies in Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Kandal, Phnom Penh, Prey Veng, Pursat, Preah Sihanouk, Takeo, Kep, Oddar Meanchey and Tbong Khmum provinces.
The decision came after Prime Minister Hun Sen on September 6 ordered lawmakers who held other government positions to resign from their non-parliamentary posts.
Since 1993, Cambodia has held six general elections, but this is the first time since the UN-administered 1993 election that the Cambodian parliament has hosted only one party.
The CPP won all 125 seats in the National Assembly in July after it oversaw the banning of the country’s main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, and the jailing of its leader, Kem Sokha.
