The composition of the senate has been finalized, and the new body is due to convene its first meeting March 25.

Chea Sim, has been named by the King to head the Senate while Prince Sisowat Chivorn Monirak, and H.E Nhek Bun Chhay were named as the first and second deputy chiefs respectively.

However, the Sam Rainsy Party is still questioning the legitimacy of the body, and has asked the Constitutional Council to rule on the validity of the legislation which set it up.

But at the same time, in what appears to be an each way bet, it has nominated candidates for the seven positions allotted to it.

There are already strong indications that the SRP petition is unlikely to be successful.

Chan Sok, President of the Constitutional Council said that the National Assembly's approval for the constitutional amendment setting up the Senate was proper, and that the council had examined it before passing it on to the King.

Part of the SRP objection to the creation of the Senate, has been the cost.

Son Chhay, MP of Sam Rainsy party estimated that the budget for the senate would be $1 million per year.

Oum Sarith, an advisor to Senate head Chea Sim, said that the actual salary for the senators had not yet been set.

However, he added that the remuneration would not be excessive, nor would they be providing perks such as cars or guards, except to the head of the Senate and the two deputies.

"Each senator only has his or her own salary," he said.

The King's nominees:

H.E Iev Ponnaka, and Mrs. Keo Bun Thuok.

CPP nominees:

1- Ouk Bun Chhoeun

2- Chhea Thang

3- Hang Chuon

4- Chan Phin

5- Chhang Song

6- Ung Ty

7- Chhit Kim Yeat

8- Mrs. Ty Borasy

9- Mrs. Mean Sam Ann

10- Mrs. Chhouk Chhim

11- Tep Ngorn

12- Sim Ka

13- Ros Sreng

14- Rong Phlam Kesan

15- Peu Savath

16- Pel Nal

17- Sek Sam Ieth

18- Penh Path

19- Boeuy Keuk

20- Kang Chan

21- Seuy Keo

22- Keo San

23- Sin Song

24- Ouk Prathna

25- Chea Cheth

26- Van Mat

27- Phai Siphan

28- Mrs. Pum Sichan

29- Men Sarun

30- Thong Chan

Funcinpec nominees:

31- Khuon Frang

32- Khuon Phlayveth

33- Seung Oeum

34- Kem Sokha

35- Sabou Bacha

36- Ung Sim

37- Chea Peng Chheang

38- Khieu San

39- Khieu Suon

40- Mrs. Men Maly

41- Mrs. Sam Kanitha

42- Mrs. Mech Somaly

43- Chhay Bun Lay

44- Sin Po

45- Prak Vanny

46- Sim Soly

47- Chea Kim

48- Yeung Kim On

49- Has Saren

Sam Rainsy party nominees:

50- Kong Korm

51- Meng Rita

52- Ouk Moeurn

53- Thach Setha

54- Ou Bun Long

55- Hut Try

56- Chao Phally