PHNOM PENH: The National Assembly resumed its first session on the morning of December 13,under the chairmanship of the President Khuon Sodary, with 100 members of the National Assembly present. As planned, the National Assembly voted on nine members of the National Election Committee (NEC) who will have the power to make crucial decisions about the country’s elections.

The National Assembly voted unanimously to appoint the candidates recommended by the two parties of the National Assembly.

The legislative body elected Prach Chan to continue as NEC Chairman, with Cheu Chamnan as Vice-Chairman. An additional 7 members were added including Mean Sati, Dim Sovannarom, Som Sorida, Heng Sileng, Yich Samith, Hal Sarath and Hang Puthea, who was NEC spokesperson during the July election. The elected officials must be sworn in at the Royal Palace before taking office.

The NEC has the authority to plan, organize and administer elections throughout the country under the motto of independence, neutrality, truth, justice and transparency.

Committee members are elected by parties with seats in the National Assembly. This year, the Cambodian People’s Party relinquished total control of the legislative body, when FUNCINPEC won five of the 125 seats. This year, FUNCINPEC members hold the vice-chairmanship in addition to three seats on the committee.