Cambodia's ruling, opposition parties unveil members of new election committee

The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party ( CNRP) on Wednesday released the names of nine members of a new National Election Committee (NEC), which is scheduled to be formed next week.

The nine members include four each from the CPP and CNRP, and one "neutral" person, who is not related to political parties.

According to a letter sent to National Assembly President Heng Samrin, CPP Vice President and Prime Minister Hun Sen said the party nominated Sek Bunhok as chairman, and Mean Sathi, Duch Son, and Em Sophat as members for the new NEC.

Meanwhile, CNRP President Sam Rainsy, in a letter to Heng Samrin, said the opposition named Kuoy Bunroeun, Rong Chhun, Hing Thirith, and Te Manirong as the NEC members.

In another joint letter to Heng Samrin, the two leaders agreed to choose Hang Puthea, director of election-monitoring group Nicfec, as the "neutral" NEC member.

Sam Rainsy told reporters that the new NEC will be formed next Monday.

"On April 13, the National Assembly will vote to elect the nine members of the NEC," he said.

The new NEC was introduced after Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy reached an agreement on July 22 to end the opposition's 10-month boycott of parliament following the 2013 elections.