Thai Border Incursions Affect Over 13,000 Cambodian Voters; NEC Outlines Measures

The spokesperson for the National Election Committee (NEC) of Cambodia, Mr. Hang Puthea, announced on September 9 that incursions by Thai military forces into Cambodian border areas and the obstruction of residents returning to their homes have affected 13,279 eligible voters. The NEC is collaborating with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities to facilitate voter registration and voting procedures for displaced citizens. According to Mr. Hang Puthea, the Thai incursions have impacted 23 villages and 28 polling stations across four provinces: Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear. The impact has prevented 21,211 residents from returning to their homes, affecting 10,899 registered voters and nearly 3,000 individuals who have reached voting age. However, to ensure the voting rights of these citizens, the NEC is arranging for displaced residents to register and prepare for voting in the communes and sangkats where they are currently located. "Citizens have the opportunity to decide for themselves. First, they can register and prepare to vote in the new commune or sangkat where they are currently living. Second, they can decide to travel to vote in the old commune or sangkat where they used to live," Mr. Hang Puthea explained. For those who have reached voting age and are residing in the affected villages, Mr. Hang Puthea stated that they can register in the commune or sangkat where the village is located, or they can register in their original commune or sangkat. He also clarified that the Thai incursions have not yet affected the voter registration offices in the border communes and sangkats. It is also noteworthy that the review of voter lists and registration for communes and sangkats in 2026 will commence on October 7 and conclude on November 30, 2026. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local