PHNOM PENH, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni has appealed to all eligible people to exercise their right to vote in a general election, which will be held on Sunday.
In a royal message released to the media by the National Election Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, the monarch said people are free to choose any political leaders they like in the election.
"The election on Sunday, July 23, 2023, is a universal, free, fair, equitable and secret one based on the principle of multi-party liberal democracy," Sihamoni said.
"Therefore, I call on the people not to worry about any threats or intimidation from any person or political party," he added.
Eighteen political parties will contest in Sunday's election for the 125 seats in the National Assembly, the NEC said, adding that more than 9.7 million people are eligible to cast their ballots.
In the last general election held five years ago, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen won all 125 seats in the National Assembly. ■
