Some factory workers in Phnom Penh have demanded a second chance to register for

the commune elections. Free Trade Union president Chea Vichea said many workers who

were allowed paid leave to register in their villages were turned back by electoral

staff.

The electoral authorities initially insisted people could only register in their

home village. Since registration teams spend only three days at one center, some

workers had missed their chance.

A deal signed on July 16 between factory owners, unions and the government had allowed

the Kingdom's estimated 200,000 factory workers time off to register.

Cambodia's 51,000 monks may not vote in next year's commune elections, despite

voting in the national election in 1998. Although the constitution allows them to

vote, the monks have decided to remain impartial.

SRP candidate Kuoy Bun Roeun was finally elected to the National Election Committee

(NEC) after the National Assembly approved his candidature on July 27.