KRATIE: Prime Minister Hun Sen has called on authorities in all provinces to make it easier for all registered political parties to conduct their various activities in the run up to the upcoming election district/commune elections, adding that all legally registered political parties have the right to hold rallies without interruption. He made these remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of seven new bridges, built with the assistance of the Government of Japan in Kratie and Prey Veng provinces, on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister stressed that the authorities have to work to make it easier for registered political parties to gather to meet their members and hold political campaign activities without any interruption and with protection.

He said that, "To ensure the freedom of political parties, they can have the opportunity to assemble, they can have the opportunity to raise party signs at the places we have designated, and political parties must also abide by the laws and regulations. By doing this, we can move forward and open up new democracies, a lot of parties have formed and party alliances have been formed." he said.

In a letter dated for 7 February 2022, the Ministry of Interior stated that all legally registered political parties were allowed to open offices, raise party signs and logos, hold political rallies and gather party officials upon simply providing their district/commune authorities in writing of these activities. The letter added that it was not necessary for parties to ask for permission from authorities in advance, but urged them to still carry out their activities with understanding and in cooperation with the competent authorities.

Besides the listed activities in the letter, all other political activities will require prior request and approval. The Ministry of Interior stressed that applications for such activities or events must be submitted to the district/commune authorities at least three days in advance, and the authorities must review applications and requests within its jurisdiction in terms of security, order, safety (especially traffic safety), aesthetics, and public hygiene standards, and respond by one day.

There are currently nearly 50 political parties registered with the Ministry of Interior. The 5th District/Commune Council Election of 2022 will be held on 4 June. The National Election Committee (NEC) has confirmed that it is ready for this election and has set aside a planned budget of $43 million dollars, with 1,646 district/commune seats to be filled.