Government's critic [Rong Chhun] applies to be NEC member

 

Rong Chhun

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Government's outspoken critic has applied to be a member of a new National Election Committee (NEC). 

"I already submitted my application to the National Assembly on 2 April," Rong Chhun, President of Cambodian Independence Teachers' Association," told CEN (Cambodia Express News), an affiliate of the Cambodia Herald, on Friday. 

Chhun didn't make further comments over the issue as he is waiting for whether he is chosen to be part of NEC or not. 

He also expressed his aim in reforming the election system in Cambodia. 

"I apply for the position is just only to make contribution to adjust, and especially protect the result and votes of citizens," he told the website. 

The Permanent Committee of the National Assembly will hold a meeting on 7 April to examine the list of candidates applying to be members of new National Election Committee (NEC), according to opposition spokesman Yem Ponhearith. 

Early this month, Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy agreed to choose Hang Puthea Executive Director of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia, to be the ninth member of NEC, replacing human right group leader Pung Chhiv Kek who declined the position.

The reformed NEC has nine members -- four members from CPP and four others from CNRP and the remaining one is chosen by the two parties' consensus, according to political agreement between two parties.