Prime Minister Hun Sen urged vigilance against Covid-19 during the June 5 commune council elections, despite a lack of new reported cases in nearly a month, and thanked incumbent commune councillors for their work during their mandate.

In a special audio message addressed to the nation on June 3, Hun Sen called on the public to carry hand sanitiser, wear masks, and keep their distance when they go vote. The premier reiterated that there would be a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol on June 4-5.

He also took the occasion to thank outgoing commune councillors across the country for fulfilling their jobs through the difficult times of Covid-19, “without political discrimination”.

“These commune councillors, who were elected in 2017, have served and protected the people very well. It was the village and commune officials who made solid preparations for our people to get the vaccine,” Hun Sen said.

During the floods that swept the capital and provinces such as Kampong Speu, Battambang, and Banteay Meanchey, “our commune officials did their best to serve the people in their jurisdictions, even though the lockdowns required them to work harder”, he said, stressing that their actions should be remembered, as well as their devotion to the Covid fight.

He also thanked all political parties for respecting the law, and following the National Election Committee’s instructions as well as other election-related duties.

“I hope that all political parties will join hands to make our country’s multi-party democratic process a success through to the June 5 elections, and I hope that we can all accept the results,” he said.