Cambodia
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: For the elections of the members of the National Assembly and Commune Councils, the existing provincial and commune boundaries are used for electoral purposes. For the election of the members of the Senate, new constituency is geographically delimited by the combination of one or many provincial boundaries.
Source: Law, Regulations and Procedures for the Election of the Members of the Senate (Article 9 and Point 2.3), National Assembly (Article 5 and Point 2.1) and Commune Councils (Point 1.9). Note: Article is used in Law while Point is used in Regulations and Procedures.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:48:52 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Source: Regulations and Procedures for the Election of the Members of the Senate (Point 2.3), National Assembly (Point 2.1) and Commune Councils (Point 1.9).
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:46:54 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Mr. Im Suosdey
b. Job Title: Chairman
c. Organisation: National Election Committee (NEC)
d. Contact Address. Inside the Ministry of Interior, Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
g. Email: necinfo@forum.org.kh
Last updated: 2006-11-04 16:48:53 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
f. None
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 12:54:05 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:07:41 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:05 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:05:57 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:06:50 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-06 13:07:49 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-07 09:50:10 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution National Election Committee
b. Full Address Inside the Ministry of Interior, Preah Norodom Blvd, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
c. Telephone (855)-23 214 374
d. Facsimile (855)-23 214 231
e. Email necinfo@forum.org.kh
f. Website Address www.necelect.org.kh
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President H.E. IM Suosdey
h. Information Officer Mr. KHAN Keo Mono
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Khmer (Unofficial translated into English)
Source: Mar Sophal, Comfrel
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:32:46 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Comments: The National Election Committee shall administer the elections of members of the Senate, National Assembly and Commune Councils. The later two is generally direct votes while the Senate one is universally indirect.
Source: Law on the Election of the Members of the Senate, National Assembly and Commune Councils.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:34:14 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
g. Other
Comments: The National Election Committee has the responsibility to prepare budget for the election. Subject to the Law on Finance, a special account of the National Treasury, called the Trust Fund Account for Election, shall be established for the benefit of the National Election Committee in its electoral management. Electoral funds obtained from contributions from the Royal Government, foreign governments, international organizations, charitable individuals, non-governmental organizations, and any other legal revenue shall be included in the national budget to be credited to this special account. Some kinds of foreign financing for electoral purposes may be made without passing through the National Treasury.
Source: Article 121 of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:42:33 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department
Comments: No law or regulation states this. But as I learn the National Election Committee shall submit financial report (incomes and expenditures) to the National Treasury and Relevant Donors.
Source: Mar Sophal, The Committee for Free and Fair Election, COMFREL.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:42:33 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Comments: No term limited for the members of the National Election Committee. They shall lose their position in any of the following cases: -The person is deceased; -He/she resigns in writing; -He/she lost his/her professional aptitude as Certified by competent ministries/ institutions; -He/she acts in contravention of internal rules regulated by the National Election Committee;
Source: Article 15 (new) of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:42:33 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: US $ 12.48 million but actual costs were US $ 11.1 million
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:32:46 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 6
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:32:46 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 1.76
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:32:46 UTC
EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
a. Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 25%
b. Election Management Body administration 20%
c. Staff/Equipment/Supplies 18%
d. Security 0%
e. Official funding of parties and candidates 0%
f. Voter education 5%
g. Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts 7%
h. Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs 2%
i. Polling operations 18%
j. Vote tabulation 2%
k. Other 5%
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:32:46 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
h. Other
Comments: The Head of State (the King) was chosen by the Royal Council of the Throne which is composed of: •The President of the Senate •The President of the Assembly •The Prime Minister •The Chiefs of the Order Mohanikay and Thammayut •The First and Second Vice-President of the Senate •The First and Second Vice-President of the Assembly
Source: 1993 Constitution (Article 13)
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:21:35 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
e. Appointed
Comments: New Article 19 of the Constitution stated that the King shall appoint the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers according to the procedures stipulated in New Article 119. Article 119- New (Previously Article 100): At the recommendation of the Chairman and with the agreement of both the Vice-Chairmen of the National Assembly, the King shall designate a dignitary from among the representatives of the winning party to form the Royal Government. This designated representative along with other members chosen from the political parties or represented in the National Assembly, then present themselves to the National Assembly to ask for a vote of confidence. After the National Assembly has given its vote of confidence, the King shall issue a Royal Decree (Kret) appointing the entire Council of Ministers.
Source: 1993 Constitution (Article 19 New and 119 New)
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:21:35 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Comments: Cambodia exercises the parliamentary regime.
Source: 1993 Constitution (Chapter 10 about Government).
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:17:16 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Comments: This includes the Senate and the National Assembly.
Source: 1993 Constitution (Chapter 7 about National Assembly and New Chapter 8 about Senate)
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:18:55 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: Members of the National Assembly shall be elected by a general, universal, free, fair, equal, direct, and secret election by means of secret balloting. The electoral system shall be proportional representation, with provincial/municipal constituencies.
Source: Article 5, Chapter II Electoral System and Determination of Seats of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:21:35 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable Na
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:11:36 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: Cambodia have a separate electoral law, regulations and procedures for administering the national elections.
Source: Constitution, Art.76, Electoral Law
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:24:06 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:25:43 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: Khmer citizens of either sex at least eighteen years old have the right to vote.
Source: Constitution, Article 34- New (As amended March 1999)
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:26:59 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
b. EMB
Comments: The National Election Committee shall be responsible for… By open a public hearing, deciding on all complaints and appeals relating to the election; except complaints which fall under the jurisdiction of the courts.
Source: Article 16 of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:29:17 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The National Election Committee shall be responsible for…taking measures and facilitating to ensure equal access to the public media. The National Election Committee shall take steps to publicize political messages at the request of a political party, which has been registered for participation in the election, based on equal and orderly access to media.
Source: Article 16 (new) and 75 of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Comments: b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: Mar Sophal, The Committee for Free and Fair Election (COMFREL)
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:33:45 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:32:48 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: In both the elections of the members of the National Assembly and Commune Councils.
Source: The Committee for Free and Fair Election (COMFREL) Observation Report.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:35:01 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
e. Minimum number of candidates
f. Other
Comments: To officially register for participation in the election, a political party shall submit to the National Election Committee an application in a form approved by the National Election Committee, no later than seventy (70) days before polling day, and shall provide the following documents: 1. A copy of the certificate of registration of the political party issued by the Ministry of the Interior; 2. The name of the political party in full, together with its abbreviation and logo; 3. The address of the headquarters of the political party; 4. A list of all candidates throughout the country. The list shall include a number of titular candidates equal to at least one-third (1/3) of the seats in the National Assembly, and number of alternate candidates equal to that of titular candidates; 5. The names of the constituencies where the party wishes to run and the corresponding lists of candidates. A list of candidates for constituency shall have the same number of candidates as that seats allocated by the National Election Committee and shall conform to the format prescribed by the National Election Committee. For which a constituency is allocated with one or two seats, there shall be at least three alternate candidates. 6. A statement indicating the bank account in which revenue, including contributions from whatever sources, has been deposited by the political party in any bank in the Kingdom of Cambodia accredited by the National Bank of Cambodia; 7. A copy of the political party Constitution and other documents certifying the formation of the political party; 8. A statement of the political party's commitment to participate in and accept the result of the election conducted in the manner of free and fair elections and to abide by the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly, the Code of Conduct, and the Law on Political Parties; 9. A list of members of the steering committee, standing committee or equivalent organ of the political party; 10. A receipt for deposit of fifteen million (15,000,000) riels issued by the National Treasury. This deposit shall be returned to the political party concerned if it receives at least 3% of the valid votes or the votes needed to win one seat in the National Assembly. In the event of the dissolution of the National Assembly before the end of its mandate, the registration of political parties shall proceed within ten (10) days of its dissolution.
Source: Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly, Chapter IV Registration of Political Parties and Lists of Candidates, Article 37 (new).
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:27:46 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
e. Minimum number of candidates
f. Other
Comments: Same than for the National Elections (Chamber 1)above.
Source: Article 16. of the Law on the Elections of the Members of Senate.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:18:38 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: A Khmer citizen who is eligible and wishes to stand as candidate in the election of members of the National Assembly shall meet the following requirements: 1. Khmer national from birth; 2. At least twenty-five (25) years of age on the date of election; 3. Eligible to vote and registered in the voting list; 4. Has a residence in the Kingdom of Cambodia; 5. Be nominated by a registered political party.
Source: Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly, Chapter IV Registration of Political Parties and Lists of Candidates, Article 33 (new).
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:27:46 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: A Khmer citizen who is eligible and wishes to stand as candidate in the election of members of the Senate shall meet the following requirements: 1. Khmer national from birth; 2. At least forty (40) years of age on the date of election; 3. Eligible to vote and registered in the voting list; 4. Has a residence in the Kingdom of Cambodia; 5. Be nominated by a registered political party.
Source: Law on the Election of the Members of Senate, Chapter 4 on Senate Candidate, Article 17.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:27:46 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
f. Not applicable
Source: Law on the Election of the Members of Senate, Chapter 4 on Senate Candidate, Article 17.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:21:43 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
c. Indirect
Comments: Article 28: The State could allocate the national budget of equal amounts to all political parties, for a purpose of using only in the campaign for election of members of the National Assembly. Any political party which fails to receive 3% (three percent) of the total of valid ballots of the whole country or which fails to gain one (1) seat in the Parliament, shall, within a period of 3 months from the date of proclamation of the election final result, pay back such above allocated budget in full amount to the State. Article 29: Political parties shall be banned from receiving contributions of any form from government’s Institutions, associations, NGOs, public enterprises, public establishments, public institutes or foreign firms, except only for the case as stated in the article 28 of this law.
Source: Law on Political Parties, Chapter VI on Political Parties’ Finances.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:27:46 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Source: Law on Political Parties, Chapter VI on Political Parties’ Finances.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:24:53 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Ballot counting shall be done at the polling station. A polling station is a ballot counting station.
Source: Regulations and Procedures for the Elections of the Members of the National Assembly, Chapter 5 on Voter Registration Stations, Polling Stations and Counting Stations, Point 5.2.4.and the Law on the Election of the Members of Commune Councils Article 32.- New.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:29:05 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
f. Other
Comments: Where the number of ballot papers in the ballot boxes differs with that of voters indicated, the Chairman of the Polling Station Commission shall arrange a recount.
Source: Article 104 of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:30:53 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
c. Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
d. National Government
f. Local Governments
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media
Comments: The National Election Committee shall be responsible for…promoting public awareness on electoral matters through voters education and public dissemination program and by other means. All media, including state-run press, television and radio, shall make their services available to the National Election Committee at no cost for the purpose of publicizing electoral work and conducting voter education.
Source: Article 16 (new) and Article 74 of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:50:14 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Law, regulations and procedures for the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:52:33 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
i. Yes, conducted by Political Parties/ Candidates
j. Yes, conducted by the Media
Source: The Committee for Free and Fair Election (COMFREL) Observation Report.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 07:52:33 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: To be eligible to vote, every citizen must have his/her name in the list of voters and must have documents to certify his/her identity during the election.
Source: Article 50 (new) of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:05:52 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments: Voter is allowed to vote where he/she registered with his/her present.
Source: Article 50 (new) of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:06:56 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: Article 50 (new) of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:08:15 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 700 voters
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:05:52 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Electoral Law, Art.94
Last updated: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 07:53:33 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 6
b. The largest polling station: 6
c. Average per polling station: 6
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:05:52 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
e. 20
Comments: To be eligible to vote, every citizen must be eighteen (18) years or over on the polling day.
Source: Article 50 (new) of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:04:56 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: To be eligible to vote, every citizen must have his/her name in the list of voters and must have documents to certify his/her identity during the election. In order to have his/her name in voter lists, each citizen must meet the following conditions: - must be a Khmer national; - must be eighteen (18) years or over on the polling day; - must have a residence in the Commune/Sangkat where he/she is going to cast his/her vote; - must not be in a situation of serving prison term; - must not be insane or under guardianship as certified by a competent ministry or institution.
Source: Article 50 (new) of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:04:56 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Comments: The National Election Committee shall delegate any of its power to Commune/Sangkat Council to perform functions on its behalf in order to review the list of voters, registration of voters in the voting list and electoral booklist for each Commune/Sangkat.
Source: Article 53 (new) of the Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly.
Last updated: 2008-02-11 08:02:23 UTC
20/05/2008 07:19
