17 May 2024 | 03:30 AM UTC
Cambodia: Local elections to occur nationwide May 26; campaign rallies to begin May 17
Cambodia to hold local elections May 26. Increased security certain; localized transport and commercial disruptions possible.
Cambodia will hold its 4th provincial, municipal, town, and district council elections May 26, with the campaign period starting the morning of May 17. Campaign rallies and parades are likely in major cities like Phnom Penh, with the ruling Cambodia People's Party (CPP) attracting the largest crowds; up to a few thousand people could attend the events. Gatherings typically occur at prominent roadways and intersections, public squares, and landmarks. Popular rally locations in Phnom Penh include City Hall, Freedom Park, and Veng Sreng Boulevard. Significant security disturbances are unlikely.
Authorities announced heightened security measures, including deployment of over 15,000 police personnel nationwide through at least May 26 to ensure order. Additional security measures, including roadblocks around polling stations, are possible and may cause transport and commercial disruptions.
Avoid all political rallies, political party offices, and polling stations through May 26 as a precaution. Seek updated information from local, trusted sources on election rallies and associated disruptions. Use alternative routes to avoid election-related events; allow additional time to reach destinations. Heed all instructions from security personnel.
Five political parties, including the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), will compete for 559 seats in municipal and provincial councils and 3,555 in district and city councils. The local election in Cambodia is non-universal, in which only 11,572 Communal Chiefs and Councilors have the right to vote.
In the 2019 local election, the CPP won 3,484 seats, while smaller parties such as the Khmer National United Party (KNUP) and the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) won 38 and 33 seats, respectively.
