National Police Director-General Hok Lundy was elected to the Standing Committee of the CPP’s Central Committee on the second and final day of the party’s annual meeting.
Meanwhile, party members received a second stern reminder from Prime Minister Hun Sen to ensure that February’s commune elections take place in a secure and fair political environment.
Senator Chhang Song said the premier told party members in his closing remarks Thursday that local officials should prevent politically-motivated attacks and arrest anyone found to be involved in such violence. Hun Sen, who is the party’s vice president, made a similar appeal to the party at the opening of the meeting Wednesday morning.
A party statement said the government should continue to ensure a safe and neutral political environment for the commune elections.
The CPP “clearly indicated its standpoint that the electoral process that takes place in these good conditions is the victory of the party to consolidate peace, national reconciliation and democracy for the whole nation,” the statement said.
Hun Sen also said the Sam Rainsy Party should have a representative on the National Election Commission to ensure there is “fair play” in overseeing the local elections, Chhang Song said.
Cambodian law requires that any party with a seat on the National Assembly also have representation on the NEC. A Sam Rainsy Party candidate to the NEC was rejected by the National Assembly in June.
Hok Lundy, whose daughter recently became engaged to Hun Sen’s son, received 121 votes from Central Committee members, while six voted no and six abstained. He is the 21st member of the Standing Committee.
Outside the Apsara television station after Thursday’s meeting, Hok Lundy said the national police continue to work with Interpol and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate Cambodian Freedom Fighters leader Chhun Yasith, who lives in the US state of California.
“Even if there still is a threat by Chhun Yasith, he can’t create a problem because we have been making our security stronger,” Hok Lundy said.
