Cambodia’s NEC gains full membership in Francophone electoral network at Belgium forum

NAMUR, Belgium, June 15, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s National Election Committee (NEC) has secured full membership in the Francophone Electoral Knowledge Network (RECEF), marking a step forward in its engagement with international electoral institutions.

NEC member Dim Sovannarom announced the decision on Sunday after returning from RECEF’s annual workshop and general assembly, held June 9–12 in Namur, Belgium’s Wallonia region.

The forum brought together representatives from 25 countries to discuss voter registration and electoral administration.

Sovannarom said participants exchanged experiences on building “inclusive, accurate, comprehensive and technologically advanced voter lists,” a theme he described as highly relevant as Cambodia prepares its annual voter registration update from October 7 to November 30.

He stressed that voter registration remains a cornerstone of democratic elections, strengthening public confidence and credibility.

Delegates also elected new leadership, naming Biram Sene, Director General of Elections at Senegal’s Interior Ministry, as rotating president for a two‑year term.

He succeeds Mathias Barthelemy Morouba of the Central African Republic. Alexandre Schulz of France’s Interior Ministry was also elected to an administrative post.

Although electoral systems differ, Sovannarom said members agreed that democratic nations share common principles when compiling voter lists, with variations mainly in procedures and schedules. RECEF currently counts 37 member states.

No new applications were submitted this year, though Luxembourg attended as an observer and is expected to seek full membership in 2027.

Cambodia’s NEC said participation in RECEF will help strengthen its technical capacity and international cooperation as it prepares for upcoming electoral cycles.