National Election Committee

Nhim Sarom, the commune chief-elect for Kampong Thom’s Chamna Loeu commune, greets supporters after his Wednesday release from police custody. The day prior, police had arrested him for an alleged robbery case for which he had been convicted in 2014. Photo from the Facebook page of Sun Chanthy, posted Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

Candlelight Commune Chief-Elect on Bail 24 Hours After Arrest

Nhim Sarom was released Wednesday, a day after he was arrested for an alleged robbery case for which he had been convicted in 2014.

Ouch Sony Jun 22, 7:54 pm

Two men lean on parked luxury cars near the Two Lions Roundabout in the center of Sihanoukville on May 31, 2022. (Danielle Keeton-Olsen/VOD)

Briefs: S’ville Investigates Guns, NEC Sues Son Chhay, Adidas Wants Inquiry

In brief, Preak Sihanouk provincial governor demands inquiry into recent gun violence. Meanwhile, the NEC is suing Son Chhay for defamation, and the apparel giant Adidas has decried police action against labor leaders in Kampong Chhnang.

VOD Staff Jun 17, 6:47 pm

Candlelight Party vice president Son Chhay joins a party rally in Preah Vihear province in May 2022. (Ananth Baliga/VOD)

Updated: CPP Sues Candlelight Party Leader for $1M

Candlelight Party vice president Son Chhay is the target of a $1 million complaint by the ruling party, where he is accused of impacting the CPP’s honor during an interview with Washington-based online media Cambodia Daily.

Mech Dara Jun 14, 12:49 pm

Chao Ratanak, Candlelight Party’s commune chief candidate in Poipet commune, stands next to her father, Chao Veasna, a former opposition councilor in the commune, outside her house on May 14, 2022. (Matt Surrusco/VOD)

Letter: A Neutral Election Body Would Accept Chao Ratanak Complaint

Sophoan Seng, president of Ceroc, said the dissolution of the CNRP hurt the independence of the National Election Committee and this was evident in recent complaints from the Candlelight being denied by the election body.

Sophoan Seng Jun 13, 10:03 am

Vote-counting in Takhmao city’s Prek Russei commune, in Kandal, on June 5, 2022. (Danielle Keeton-Olsen/VOD)

Briefs: Candlelight’s Breaking and Entering Charge, 85 NEC Complaints

A Candlelight Party activist who was arrested in Battambang on Wednesday has now been charged by the court with breaking and entering. The NEC has received 85 election-related complaints.

VOD Staff Jun 10, 11:19 am

Chao Ratanak, Candlelight Party’s commune chief candidate in Poipet commune, outside her house on May 14, 2022. (Matt Surrusco/VOD)

Election Committee Rejects Candlelight Complaint Due to Lack of Specifics

The head of Poipet’s commune election committee said she had rejected the complaint because it didn’t identify any individuals.

Nat Sopheap Jun 9, 12:52 pm

Voter Sentiment or Irregularities? Theories Abound Over Landslide Election

For some, the Candlelight Party’s single-digit wins in communes is simply “unbelievable.” Others point to voter intimidation and the dearth of neutral observers as burying the voters’ “real” will.

Ouch Sony Jun 6, 5:47 pm

Phnom Penh communes where the CPP is running uncontested in this week's election.

In 24 Communes, the Only Choice Is CPP

Tens of thousands of voters will enter polling booths on June 5 to vote on a ballot with only one party to choose from: In 24 communes, including eight in Phnom Penh, the ruling CPP is the only available choice.

Phin Rathana May 31, 5:53 pm

CPP representatives teaching an elderly voter how to mark a sample ballot for their party during the 2022 commune election campaign. Photo from social media.

Across Cambodia, Ruling Party ‘Teaches’ How to Vote CPP

Social media photos show mostly older voters handed a pen and mock ballot and, under supervision from officials, shown how to pick the CPP.

Mech Dara May 27, 7:14 pm

National Election Committee officials speak during a press conference on March 25, 2022. (NEC Facebook page)

Election Campaign Rules: Two Rallies Per Commune Starting Saturday

Election campaigning will kick off on Saturday for the two weeks ahead of the June 5 vote, during which parties will be allowed two rallies per contesting commune as long as they stay within boundaries and give three days’ notice.

Morm Moniroth May 17, 2:53 pm