Phnom Penh, March 21, 2024 – Cambodia's Senate Palace is set to host the inaugural session of the fifth legislature's Senate in early April 2024. This significant event will take place under the auspices of King Norodom Sihamoni, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's legislative calendar.
The Senate Secretariat General disclosed this information through an announcement on March 19, highlighting the upcoming session's importance. The announcement follows the successful completion of Cambodia's fifth Senate election on February 25, 2024, which saw participation from four political parties: the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), the Khmer Will Party, the FUNCINPEC Party, and the National Power Party.
The election results revealed a dominant victory for the CPP, securing 55 of the available 58 seats. The Khmer Will Party claimed the remaining three seats, while the FUNCINPEC Party and the National Power Party did not secure enough votes to obtain representation.
Cambodia's Senate is comprised of 62 seats, with 58 elected through a non-universal suffrage process. Additionally, two senators are appointed directly by the King, and the remaining two are elected by the National Assembly. In recent developments, Sok Eysan and Heng Halim were elected by the National Assembly to serve as senators for a six-year term. Furthermore, a royal decree issued on March 6 appointed Princess Norodom Arun Rasmey and Prince Sisowath Thomico as senators for the fifth legislature.
In anticipation of the inaugural session, the Senate Secretariat General has issued a call to national and international journalists interested in covering the event. Journalists are required to register through the Department of Information, Directorate General of Information and Public Relations of the Senate Secretariat General. Registration can be completed online via a provided link or QR code by March 22, 2024. Required documentation for registration includes a valid journalist ID, a letter of designation from their media institution, a Khmer ID or passport for international journalists, and a recent photo.
This inaugural session not only symbolizes the progression of Cambodia's legislative process but also underscores the country's commitment to transparent and inclusive political communication.
