The national election body has dismissed allegations of bias ahead of the upcoming Senate election later this month.
The National Election Committee (NEC) said that the “proper authorities” were organizing the February 25 election “in accordance with the law”, adding that the NEC would “perform its duty independently and neutrally to ensure a free and fair election with respect to multi-party democracy.”
Following the dissolution of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party late last year, three NEC members selected by the CNRP resigned and new members were appointed that are seen as being close to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.
Mu Sochua, CNRP vice president, said holding the Senate election without the CNRP was “insane”.
Rong Chhun, one of the NEC members who resigned after the CNRP’s dissolution, said the NEC statement showed that the body was concerned over its negative public image.
“There is no reason for them to release the statement declaring their stance. It just simply means that they are guilty because the public is judging and watching. Therefore, they have to defend themselves,” he said.
Dim Sovannarom, NEC spokesman, declined to explain the reasoning for the release of the statement.