PHNOM PENH: With one week left before Cambodians head to the polls on July 23, Prime Minister Hun Sen continues to call for all eligible voters to fulfil their civic duty on Sunday.

In a Telegram message from July 16, the PM said that this year’s election campaign season has been a positive experience and encouraged people to vote.

“It has been 16 days since the start of the election campaign, and all the participating political parties have been campaigning actively and happily as if the campaign is a joyful festival,” he wrote.

“In line with the King's appeal and that of the National Election Committee, I, on behalf of Cambodian prime minister, would like to take this opportunity to call on all citizens, who have registered to vote, to go to the polls on Sunday, 23 July 2023.”

This is the 7th National Assembly election to take place since Cambodia implemented its first free election in 1993. Eighteen parties are on the ballot this year, however the NEC has faced backlash for denying the major opposition Candlelight Party from participating this year, citing insufficient paperwork.

The Prime Minister has called on the government to provide buses to those who need to return to their hometown to vote, leaving little excuse for any registered voter not to participate in this year’s election.