‘Free and fair’ vow: New NEC chief promises just electoral process

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Amid challenges ahead of upcoming elections, newly appointed National Election Committee (NEC) chairman Prach Chan has vowed to hold “free, fair and just” ones, calling on all relevant parties to unite to promote the principles of liberal multi-party democracy.

His commitment was made during a ceremony for him to take charge which was held at the NEC headquarters with dozens of NEC and government officials attending.

During the ceremony, Minister of Royal Palace Kong Sam Ol also handed over the NEC’s seal to Chan after King Norodom Sihamoni issued a Royal Decree to appoint him the new chairman, replacing Sik Bun Hok who relinquished his position on June 1 citing ill health.

Cambodia is due to hold the 5th mandate of the Commune Council Election, known as the “Commune Election”, on June 5 next year and the National Election in 2023.

In his speech, Chan said the organisation of the elections, including the examination of voter lists and voter registration, will take place in a situation where the Kingdom and other countries have been affected by the deadly virus.

However, he praised government’s efforts to prevent and control the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the significant increase in vaccination rates, saying it contributes to ensuring the election process in the new context.

“As the newly appointed Chairman of the National Election Committee, I would like to commit that I, together with the Deputy Chairman, all NEC members and subordinates, will do our best physically, mentally, intellectually and with spirit to organise and manage the NEC, capacity structure and election affairs in accordance with the laws, regulations and procedures in force for each election to be free, fair and just, which aims to increase trust from stakeholders,” he said.

To achieve his goals, Chan requested and encouraged the leaders and election officials at all levels to unite and strengthen solidarity, have close cooperation and continue to pay attention to the implementation of their duties with high responsibility.

“Taking this opportunity, I would like to call on all stakeholders, both national and international, to continue to cooperate with the NEC in accordance with its roles and responsibilities in line with the provisions of laws, regulations and procedures, including legal norms to contribute to the implementation of the principles of liberal multi-party democracy,” he added.

Khmer Will Party (KWP) president Kong Monika yesterday welcomed Chan’s commitment to promoting free and fair elections.

“I applaud the commitment of the new NEC chairman, but would like to see him put that commitment into practice, although I do not expect much change under the new chairman,” he added.

Pich Sros, president of the Cambodian Youth Party (CYP) yesterday agreed with Monika, saying his party will observe Chan’s work activity to see whether he implements the promises.

“It is normal for a person to take on a new position, but practical actions can determine the effectiveness of that person’s commitment,” he said. “For me, I will monitor the implementation of the new work of HE Prach Chan to verify his commitment.”

King Norodom Sihamoni last week issued the Royal Decree appointing Chan as the new NEC’s chairman, the same day when the National Assembly unanimously approved his nomination to replace Bun Hok.

Chan’s appointment came days after he was nominated by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). He also resigned from his position as chairman of the National Assembly’s Commission on Human Rights, Complaints and Investigation.

Some leaders of political parties have claimed that the NEC is still drawing criticism that it is not being neutral or independent and cannot guarantee free, fair and just elections because it is under the influence of the ruling party. They also expressed dissatisfaction due to Chan’s inexperience in election works.

NEC spokesman Hang Puthea yesterday defended the appointment of Chan as the head of the election’s body, saying it was done by following legal procedures.

“The appointment of a new NEC’s chairman is a parliamentary decision, so I do not evaluate anything (about his ability),” he said. “Everything is done legally, which is in force through the 4 + 4 + 1 formula to take over from Sik Bun Hok who also had been nominated by the ruling CPP,” he said.

He referred to the Law on the Organisation and Functioning of the NEC, which states that the NEC is composed of nine people, consisting of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and seven members.

Article 6 of this law states that the committee will comprise four members recruited by the ruling party, four members recruited by parties that have seats in the National Assembly but had not joined the government and one recruited with a consensus among all parties that have seats in the parliament.

Puthea also reacted to the allegation that Chan is “inexperienced” in election affairs before taking over as NEC’s chairman.

“I do not think it is possible to assess a person’s personality. In terms of election experience, he (Chan) used to work as a provincial governor, so he knows about election work,” he said.

Chan previously worked as the governor of Battambang and Tboung Khmum provinces and was a member of the CPP’s cabinet office and a CPP lawmaker.