NEC: Amendment on Senate election law to streamline voting and boost efficiency

PHNOM PENH, April 2, 2026 (KPT) –National Election Committee (NEC) said Thursday that recent amendments to the Senate election law are aimed at strengthening the electoral framework and improving efficiency, following unanimous approval by the National Assembly.

All 112 lawmakers present voted in favor of the reforms during a session chaired by Assembly President Khuon Sudary.

The changes introduce a proportional voting system across all 25 constituencies, replacing the current eight regional constituencies with individual capital and provincial ones.

NEC spokesman Hang Puthea told KPT English the amendments are designed to make the system “more active and convenient” while maintaining existing procedures.

He stressed that the reforms reflect institutional progress rather than weaknesses in the previous law, adding that the NEC is responsible for implementing electoral laws, not drafting them.

The legislation will undergo constitutional review by the Senate before submission to the King for approval.

Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith said the changes aim to strengthen accountability by ensuring closer links between senators and local commune and sangkat council members.

The reforms follow calls from Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen to align the chamber’s electoral system more closely with that of the National Assembly.

A special Senate committee reviewed electoral systems in Asia, Europe and the United States before drafting the proposal.