Cambodia Consults Stakeholders on Draft Rules for 2027 Commune Elections

PHNOM PENH, Aug 31, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s National Election Committee (NEC) has held a consultation meeting with political parties, government institutions and civil society groups on draft rules for the country’s next commune and sangkat elections, scheduled for June 2027. The meeting, held at NEC headquarters in Phnom Penh, brought together 129 participants in person and about 100 others online, the committee said. It followed the submission of 48 sets of recommendations from 44 stakeholders who reviewed the draft regulations between June 30 and July 22. Deputy Secretary‑General He Vuth said the consultation aimed to gather further views and improve the draft so it is clearer, more comprehensive and easier to implement. He noted the text was prepared based on Cambodia’s legal framework, relevant regulations and lessons from previous election reviews. The draft Regulations and Procedures will govern the election of the sixth‑mandate commune and sangkat councils on June 6, 2027, as well as subsequent polls. Commune and sangkat councils are elected every five years and oversee local administration and public services. The draft was initially prepared by the NEC General Secretariat before being submitted for review and circulated to political parties, ministries, state institutions, associations and NGOs for comment. The meeting included discussions, questions and responses from NEC officials and representatives of participating organisations. NEC Secretary‑General Tep Nitha thanked institutions and organisations for reviewing the draft and submitting recommendations, saying additional comments raised during the consultation would be compiled and submitted for final consideration. The NEC said recommendations would be reviewed against the legal and regulatory framework before adoption, stressing its commitment to ensuring transparent and inclusive preparations for the 2027 commune elections.