PHNOM PENH: The National Election Committee (NEC) has decided to cancel a five million riel fine given to Kong Raya, the Candlelight Party Kang Meas district leader, and to reserve the right to vote for all 15 Candlelight Party candidates in Kampong Cham province's Kang Meas district. The decision comes after the NEC held a hearing on a complaint filed against Kong Raya in Kampong Cham last weekend.

After more than an hour of hearings and discussions, NEC Chairman, Prach Chan, and the Trial Chamber, including all seven members of the NEC, decided that based on what Kong Raya's lawyer has said, giving US $100 per person to party members was not seen as a bribe, but as serving the party's campaign during the election period.

The NEC Chairman announced the decision to cancel the 5 million riel fine that the Provincial Election Committee gave to Kong Raya, as well as the official decision to keep the names and voting rights of all 15 candidates representing the Candlelight Party.

CPP lawyer, Kea Eav, expressed regret, but said he would respect the NEC's decision.

Kong Raya's lawyer, Ket Key, said the NEC's decision was fair.

During the court hearing on the afternoon of Thursday, 2 June, Kong Raya’s lawyer said that giving money to the 11 Kang Meas district commune chief candidates, worth $1,100 dollars in total, only contributes to each candidate’s campaign, and in addition to providing funds, they also distribute hats and shirts to support members, not to buy voters' hearts.