Cambodia Directs El Niño Preparedness and Election Preparations

A monthly meeting of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) in Tang Kob district, Kampong Thom province, was chaired on September 12 by Dr. Thong Khon, a member of the CPP Central Committee and First Vice-Chairman of the party's grassroots working group. The meeting focused on reviewing the district's party activities for September and setting new directions. Hak Mong Huot, the District Governor and District Party Chief, presented a summary of the district party's work results and future plans. Dr. Thong Khon then instructed the party working groups at the district and commune levels to pay close attention to monitoring the status of crop cultivation and rice yields. He emphasized the need to prepare for rescue efforts in case of drought and water shortages. Specifically, Dr. Thong Khon urged the dissemination of information to the public regarding the "El Niño" phenomenon and its potential impact on Cambodia's hot weather. He advised against rice cultivation in areas facing water scarcity during the second season to prevent potential losses. Furthermore, he directed the commune-level party working groups and commune parties to complete the inauguration of various development projects that have been undertaken during the current mandate before the upcoming 6th mandate commune council elections in 2027. Dr. Thong Khon also pushed for the resolution of local challenges, particularly land disputes. He stressed the continued reinforcement of the "Safe Villages and Communes" policy, including cracking down on drug offenses, illegal gambling, juvenile delinquency, and specifically, cleaning up online scams that may occur within their respective districts, communes, and villages. He also reiterated the importance of providing all types of public services to citizens quickly, efficiently, and transparently. Regarding party affairs, Dr. Thong Khon instructed working groups at all levels to strive to maintain and strengthen their winning position in elections. He mandated that all eight communes ensure the position of Commune Council Chief and aim to exceed their current number of seats. Efforts to expand party membership were also a key focus, with a goal for each village to build up 85% of its registered voters as party members. He encouraged party members and supporters to participate in the 2026 voter list checking process (from October 7 to November 30, 2026). Special attention was given to those who registered in 2016 and 2017, requiring them to update their biometric data (photo and fingerprint), and for those who have newly turned 18 or have relocated to new communes, to register anew. In parallel, the working groups were instructed to adhere to guidelines, action plans, and work calendars leading up to the elections. They are to prepare spiritually, physically, materially, and with adequate resources for the election campaign for the 6th mandate commune council elections in 2027. The directive also included maintaining close contact with the local populace and party members by visiting homes to understand their well-being, concerns, and challenges, and to jointly address them in a timely manner, thereby enhancing public confidence in the Royal Government and the Cambodian People's Party.