Cambodia's NEC Asserts Electoral Fairness to UN Rights Envoy

PHNOM PENH, July 30, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s National Election Committee (NEC) has informed the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia that the nation’s elections are conducted in a free, fair, just, and transparent manner. The NEC also outlined reforms to the electoral system and preparations for upcoming local polls. NEC Chairman Prach Chan made these remarks during a meeting with UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews at the committee’s headquarters in Phnom Penh on July 29, according to an NEC statement. Chan stated that Cambodia’s electoral process involves two stages: the annual review and registration of voters, followed by the conduct of elections. He emphasized that the system is designed to ensure transparency, accuracy, and broad public participation. Referencing Cambodia’s electoral history dating back to the 1993 Constituent Assembly election organized by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), Chan explained that the NEC has independently administered national and subnational polls since 1998. He noted that the NEC has organized 19 elections to date, which have been assessed by domestic and international observers as free and fair, citing U.S. observers who described the 1998 general election as a “Miracle on the Mekong.” The NEC highlighted reforms, including the replacement of manual voter registration with a computerized database that is updated annually. In 2025, registration reached 90.5 percent of eligible citizens, representing over 10.1 million voters. Preparations are underway for the sixth-term Commune/Sangkat Council elections, with draft regulations circulated to parties and stakeholders for consultation. Chan also pointed to Japan’s support through JICA, mentioning the provision of voter education centers and technical equipment worth $5.4 million. He stated that the NEC maintains dialogue with foreign embassies and is a member of A-WEB and RECEF. According to the NEC, Andrews thanked the committee for the briefing and indicated his intention to continue monitoring Cambodia’s democratic process and human rights situation.