Parties in Starting Blocks for National Poll
Supporters of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) take part in a rally on the last day of campaigning for the commune elections in Phnom Penh on June 3, 2022. Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP
- By Te Chhaysinh
- June 30, 2023 6:35 PM
PHNOM PENH – Four parties are poised to launch their campaigns in Phnom Penh for the July 23 elections.
Campaigning starts officially on July 1 and ends two days before the vote. Other parties are due to kick off their campaigns in the capital later.
Authorities have urged people to avoid campaign routes where traffic will be disrupted.
Each party is allowed to have four public campaign events. Further campaigning must be based at party headquarters.
The ruling Cambodia People's Party (CPP), the Khmer National United Party, the Khmer United Party and the Khmer Anti-Poverty Party will launch their campaigns on the first day.
More than 75,000 CPP members are expected to gather at the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center to mark the 72nd anniversary of the party and the start of the campaign, led by Hun Sen, who is standing again as Prime Minister.
Phnom Penh authorities announced the closure of ferry services between Phnom Penh and Arey Ksat and between Phnom Penh and Chroy Changvar on July 1 while urging people to avoid traveling near the campaign site.
Khmer National United Party supporters, led by longtime politician Nhek Bun Chhay, will gather at Freedom Park at Russey Keo before their procession while 125 Khmer United Party members are due to gather at Phum Kam Boul but not march.
Khmer Anti-Poverty Party members are to meet at party headquarters at Sangkat Kouk Khleang in Sen Sok district.
The CPP is competing in 25 provinces/capital, with 274 candidates, including reserves and 54 women, for 125 assembly seats.
The Cambodian Youth Party has 266 candidates, including 90 women, representing 25 cities and provinces and all assembly seats.
The Khmer National United Party has 266 candidates, including 50 women, representing 25 provinces/capital, competing all 125 seats in the assembly.
The FUNCINPEC Party has 278 candidates, including 52 women, for all seats.
The Grassroots Democratic Party has 170 candidates, including 38 women, competing in 12 provinces/capital for 83 seats.
Eighteen parties are vying for 125 seats with 9.7 million voters expected to go to the polls.
