Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Out of jail, and out of a job

Out of jail, and out of a job

Opposition commune chief Seang Chet was released from Prey Sar prison last week. The timing of this imprisonment led to his disqualification from running for re-election in the 2017 commune elections.
Opposition commune chief Seang Chet was released from Prey Sar prison last week. The timing of this imprisonment led to his disqualification from running for re-election in the 2017 commune elections. Pha Lina

Out of jail, and out of a job

Opposition commune chief Seang Chet, recently freed from prison, looks set to lose his position next year as he was unable to register as a voter while behind bars and therefore cannot stand as a candidate in local elections.

The local official returned to work yesterday in Kampong Cham province, just under a week since his five-year conviction for “bribing” the purported mistress of Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Kem Sokha was absolved by royal decree.

The 44-year-old’s release came on the back of an apparent political deal between the CNRP and ruling Cambodian People’s Party. The agreement – which began with Sokha’s pardon for a five-month sentence linked to a related “prostitution” case – looks set to end a raft of cases linked to Sokha’s affair, which were widely considered politically motivated.

But while he is now free, it appears Seang has been robbed of the chance to continue next year as chief of Srok commune, where he is widely popular, according to interviews with local villagers this year. Under the Election Law, only registered voters can contest seats. Chet’s six-month detention meant he missed the National Election Committee’s recent three-month registration drive, which ended last month.

Speaking yesterday, the Sam Rainsy Party member – who is also demanding the court return $75 and three mobile phones seized during his arrest – appealed to both parties for help. “I hope that both parties discuss and request that the NEC register my name in the competition in 2017 or else I cannot be a commune chief candidate,” he said yesterday.

Though CNRP lawmaker Eng Chhay Eang said the party would “examine” Chet’s request, officials yesterday effectively dismissed the possibility. National Assembly secretary-general Leng Peng Long said any “special procedures” to extend the registration would require the Election Law to be changed, noting that no amendments had yet been submitted to the parliament.

NEC spokesman Hang Puthea said, as it stood now, there was no possibility for Chet to enrol for the 2017 poll, though he could register in 2018 when the body prepares voter lists for the national ballot. “If the assembly changes the law, the NEC will change accordingly . . . but it is hard to make an amendment because of one person,” Puthea said.

CPP spokesman Sok Eysan agreed, saying the law could not be changed for a single case. “The amendment is based on the special condition of each case, but for Seang Chet, I think that the possibility is very small or impossible,” he said.

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