National Election Committee (NEC) deputy secretary-general Mok Dara met on January 15 with representatives from four political parties.

The focus was on sharing insights into equity principles for parties, policies and political programmes during the upcoming 5th Senate election campaign, scheduled from February 10-23.

“All political parties have the chance for free, equitable and transparent dissemination of their policies and programmes to the public and voters through an initiative organised by the NEC,” Dara said in a recent NEC press release.

The statement also listed the political parties participating in the Senate election: the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), FUNCINPEC, Khmer Will (KWP) and Nation Power (NPP).

The equity agenda unfolds in three segments. Firstly, the production of a televised roundtable discussion requires participating political parties to prepare and present policies on topics submitted in advance by the NEC coordinating committee.

This discussion will be recorded and broadcast on state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK) and National Radio of Cambodia (RNK). 

Secondly, TVK will air advertising spots for political parties. Lastly, political party campaign articles will feature in two NEC-published party policy bulletins.

“After the meeting, all four parties agreed without any objections to the equity policies coordinated by the NEC,” he said.

Kimsour Phirith, a KWP candidate for the Senate election, said that his party will implement and follow the instructions and guidelines of the NEC for the upcoming election campaign.

“We follow guidance consistently, but its significance diminishes in conveying the party’s political agenda and message for the Senate election. Public engagement may not be a decisive factor,” he said.