Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Kek’s NEC eligibility in doubt

Kek’s NEC eligibility in doubt

Licadho president Pung Chhiv Kek talks at a press conference in July at a Licadho office in regards to the ninth seat on the NEC
Licadho president Pung Chhiv Kek talks at a press conference in July at a Licadho office in regards to the ninth seat on the NEC. Heng Chivoan

Kek’s NEC eligibility in doubt

Although Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy on Friday agreed that no member of an overhauled National Election Committee could have multiple nationalities, it remains unclear whether rights activist and triple national Pung Chhiv Kek is out of the running for the only bipartisan position.

Rainsy said in an email yesterday that despite his party’s acquiescence, he believed “there will be no change” on Kek as both parties’ favoured candidate to take the ninth and final spot on an NEC otherwise made up of political appointees.

The Licadho president will be allowed to join the NEC if she “suspends” her French and Canadian citizenships while sitting on the committee, a vague solution that the opposition has painted as a compromise from Hun Sen.

While neither side has outlined any legal procedure for how a temporary renouncement of citizenship could work, they continued to advance this argument yesterday after a final meeting between working groups drafting a new NEC law.

“In spirit, we are still thinking about [Pung Chhiv Kek], but we must also look into the [criteria set] by our law,” said Kuoy Bunroeun, the opposition CNRP’s top negotiator. “Provided that [she] fulfils [the role] according to the legal conditions, we can accept [her].”

CPP working group head Bin Chhin said a candidate would be chosen after the NEC law is passed, which both parties have agreed will happen before the end of February.

“[We] have not eyed anyone yet, because the law is not yet issued,” Chhin said, despite Hun Sen agreeing in July that Kek could take the position.

Kek has repeatedly declined to address her candidacy. But Am Sam Ath, a senior investigator at Licadho, said Kek was not troubled by the new restriction and was still waiting for demands made months ago to be met.

“She has asked for conditions, that the NEC is independent, members have [parliamentary-style] immunity, the right to choose staff autonomously, the right to autonomously control its budget. If this is all OK, she will agree, if not, she will decline,” he said.

Sam Ath said he could not comment on whether Kek would give up her other nationalities.

“She’s Cambodian, so if they really need her, they will let her keep [her other citizenships].”

Koul Panha, the head of elections watchdog Comfrel, who has been floated as an alternative candidate, said he would still consider it. But, he added, he supported Kek’s candidacy and lambasted the nationality restriction.

“There is no justification for this.… I think these two parties are not taking responsibility.”

Separately yesterday, Rainsy released a statement seeking to justify his latest political deal with Hun Sen, which has been criticised by some observers as horse trading for short-term political goals. Rainsy said the CNRP’s real intention was “to lay the foundation for Cambodia’s democratic future”.

“What the CNRP has obtained represents significant strides towards democracy for a country which has only recently emerged from a long period of authoritarianism,” he said, citing the new NEC, opposition TV and radio licences, and his forthcoming recognition as minority leader in parliament.

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one