Phnom Penh (FN), May 4 - Sar Kheng, Minister of the Interior (MoI), has instructed armed forces and local police to take action again any acts or person who might prevent the fair process of Commune Council Elections (CCE).

The announcement was made Thursday during a meeting of the Permanent Security Committee (PSC), co-chaired by the Minister and the President of the National Election Committee (NEC), Sik Bun Hok.

The two were organizing a security plan for the upcoming CCE, to be held on June 4, 2017.

The minister reiterated that the process of the election, particularly the electoral campaign, will create confrontations and violence if the parties do not follow the election laws and principles of the NEC.

“Every head of the institution shall pay attention to the situation on a timely manner and will cooperate with all NEC officials.

We will announce any changes to all voters in order to avoid any confusion and to ensure everyone votes,” said minister Sar Kheng.

During the 2013 elections some citizens were prevented from voting and ballot tallying in Kandal and Siem Reap provinces.

This unlawful act led to the violent protests.

The year following the election was wrought with demonstrations and turmoil.

This year, an estimated 37,530 police and soldiers will be on duty to protect the safety and security of voters during elections.

They will also be present during the ballot counting process.
=FRESH NEWS