PHNOM PENH: Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni has requested the winning candidates from all provinces to convene for their first meeting as members of parliament at the National Assembly on August 21.

The king sent an official letter of invitation to all candidates who won seats in the 7th National Assembly election on July 23. Included in the roster are 120 members of the reigning Cambodian People’s Party and five from the royalist FUNCINPEC party. This will be the first time in five years members of a party other than the CPP will hold parliamentary seats.

On August 21, the 7th mandated National Assembly will convene for the first time. That evening, the members will be sworn in at the Royal Palace. On August 22, the National Assembly will meet under the leadership of its new president, Kuon Sodary, to swear in the new Cabinet. That day will also see Dr. Hun Manet assume his role as the new prime minister with the approval of the National Assembly.