PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Interior has requested the Capital-Provincial Board of Governors to facilitate political parties that are legally registered to contest at the upcoming Commune/District Council Election of the fifth mandate in 2022 and the 7th Parliamentary Election in 2023 with their political activities, to ensure a free, fair and just system.

In a letter dated 7 January 2022, the Ministry of Interior stated that all legally registered political parties were free to open offices, raise party logos, hold political rallies or gather party officials after simply informing the commune/district authorities in writing. The Ministry included that it is not necessary to ask for permission from the commune/district authorities in advance, but parties should cooperate with the competent authorities within understanding. Beyond these listed activities, however, prior request from the authorities is required.

The Ministry of Interior states that applications must be submitted to the commune/district authorities at least three days before a banner or political meeting, and commune/district authorities must also consider these requests within their jurisdiction in terms of security, order, safety (especially traffic safety), aesthetics and public hygiene, and must respond to the applications in one day.

The circular letter states, "Political meetings in public places, as in the above case, the competent authorities must consult with the relevant political parties on the necessary measures that political parties must provide, with cooperation and mutual understanding on security, public order, public safety and public hygiene, including health measures."

Nearly 50 political parties are currently registered with the Ministry of Interior. The fifth Commune/District Council Election will be held on 4 June 2022.