Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 28 - Chinese government has recently signed a formal agreement to provide 30 types of materials to the National Election Committee (NEC) for the upcoming 2018 elections, according to a NEC’s press release on Wednesday.

Som Sorida, deputy secretary general of NEC, said the materials will be the first Chinese government aid for elections in Cambodia since China announced to provide aids to Cambodia's elections, but those materials have not yet been delivered to the NEC.

The support from Chinese government came after the European Union suspended its support for the NEC, and that the EU’s decision was made following the dissolution of former main opposition party, CNRP, on November 16, 2017.

Chinese side pledged to continue providing additional support to the NEC for subsequent elections to be smooth, accurate, transparent and accountable.

Cambodia will hold two major elections in 2018, including the Senate Election 4th Mandate, held on Feb. 25, 2017 and the National Assembly Members Election 6th Mandate on July 29, 2017.

Cambodia plans to spend more than $50 million for the elections, which have already been prepared and approved.
=FRESH NEWS