PHNOM PENH: On July 4 2023, King Norodom Sihamoni officially approved a Constitutional amendment to Cambodia’s election law, which was unanimously approved by the National Assembly on June 23.

The Constitutional Council convened on the morning of July 3, where members unanimously approved the proposed amendment as constitutionally sound. The decision was then sent to the King for final approval.

The new Article 23 states that those who do not vote will not have the right to stand for future elections. According to the new Article 142, any person who obstructs the election will be fined five to 20 million Riels (about $1,200-$4,800) by the National Election Committee without factoring in other criminal offenses.

According to the new Article 143, political parties seen as obstructing the election process will be removed from the ballot and fined between 10 and 20 million Riels (about $2,400-$4,800) in addition to any penalties for other crimes they may have committed.