The Grassroots Democratic Party has called on the government and National Election Committee to announce the dates of next year’s commune elections ahead of the nine month requirement, saying it would help NGOs prepare.

In a May 12 statement, the party said that even though the prime minister must announce polling dates nine months before elections by law, the schedule should be released sooner.

“Release of the schedule for commune elections can help the involved parties, such as NGOs and donors, to prepare their activities before and support the tasks during the election,” the statement read.

Cambodian People’s Party spokesman Sok Eysan questioned the GDP’s hurry to announce the election schedule, adding that based on the timing of the last commune election it was understood that next year’s polls would be held in June.

Koul Panha, director of election watchdog Comfrel, said announcing the election date early could help speed up the process of refreshing voter lists, which has been delayed.

Senior GDP leaders could not be reached for comment.