The National Election Committee (NEC) recommends all provincial authorities, districts and communes to make plans to ensure security, safety and order, with no intimidation, threats or violence during campaigning and the election-day.

NEC spokesman Hang Puthea said yesterday that the NEC recommends to the Secretariat of Election Security of the NEC, the Capital and Provincial Election Committee (PEC), and the Commune Election Committee (CEC) to closely cooperate with the local authorities.

It is for the process of the July 23 National Election to run smoothly and successfully, and to ensure a safe, secure and orderly environment, with no intimidation, threats or violence, he said.

The provincial, district and commune authorities must organise the police, military police and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) based in the provinces and capital, to perform their duties, as election security personnel, at each stage to protect the candidates and the electorate according to the law, he said.

They must also protect during the election campaign, the CEC headquarters and the polling stations.

The authorities must be ready to intervene immediately in the districts of the relevant provinces and capital.

“The PEC and CEC must pay attention to monitor and disseminate the exchange of information on the general security situation and must request the intervention of the fire brigade or health workers in a timely manner,” he said.

“This is in case of intimidation or other violations of the law, or fire that may hinder the process of the National Election,” Puthea added.

The NEC statement released yesterday stated that the PEC and CEC shall request the cooperation of the capital and provincial Governors, to hold regular joint meetings, either directly or online.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss security work and take necessary measures to reduce any conflicts or challenges that may arise and to find appropriate solutions.

The PEC and CEC should make regular reports on the general security situation that occurred in each provincial capital during the election process and submit it to the NEC’s Electoral Security Secretariat on a regular basis for reporting to the NEC.

If necessary, the PEC and CEC shall report directly to the Director of the Election Security Secretariat of the NEC to request a decision from the NEC leaders and take measures to resolve them effectively and in accordance with the procedures.

Sok Hing, chairman of the Battambang Provincial Election Committee, said yesterday that he had received instructions from the NEC and his working group are working on security for the election-day.

He has held two meetings already, but he plans to hold more meetings with provincial, district and commune authorities to discuss security during the election.

“We are working hard to protect public order to prevent violence and unrest during the election. During the previous election, there was no serious incidents in Battambang province, because we had prepared a specific plan,” Hing added.

Kong Sophoan, Governor of Kandal province, said yesterday that he always cooperates with PEC and CEC officials to protect polling stations, maintain security and order, and prevent any other issues that are intended to cause social unrest.

“We have already planned and allocated roles for the officers who are involved in security, and we continue to have meetings on the general security situation and find ways to prevent problems,” he said.

• Tags: Election 2023, Security