Cambodia to hold 3rd Senate election next year

via CAAI

January 21, 2011

Cambodia's top legislative body has adopted a schedule for its third legislature election in early next year, local media reported Friday.

State-run Television Kampuchea (TVK) broadcast on Friday that the Senate decided on Thursday to have its own 3rd legislature election on Jan. 29, 2012.

According to the laws, senators are elected by members of the National Assembly or lower house, and commune councilors.

The total seats in the senate are 61 with two of them are appointed by King Norodom Sihamoni and two other seats filled by National Assembly representatives, and the rest are elected to those representing the political parties obtaining seats in the lower house.

In the last senate election in 2006, the ruling Cambodian People's Party won 45, followed by FUNCINPC party with 10 and the remaining two went to Sam Rainsy Party.

The Senate was first established in 1999. The Senatorial election is held every six years while the lower house holds its election every five years.

Source: Xinhua