30 May 2017 | 10:05 PM UTC
Cambodia: Local elections scheduled for June 4
Commune council elections will be held throughout the country on June 4; expect an increase in political events and related traffic disruptions
Event
Commune council elections will be held throughout Cambodia on Sunday, June 4. Political campaign events are likely to take place in the coming days. Protests may also take place in the days leading up to the election. In the event of a political event or protest, expect localized traffic disruptions.
Context
There are 1646 communes in the country and the last elections were held in 2012. These local elections are widely viewed as an indicator for the upcoming general elections set for July 2018, in which the next prime minister will be elected. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CCP) currently controls 62 percent of the communes, however the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) was able to take a significant number of seats from the CCP in the 2013 parliamentary elections.
Advice
Individuals present in Cambodia ahead of and during the electoral period are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local media, and avoid all political gatherings.
