Politics in Cambodia

A constitutional monarchy combines a hereditary monarch with government powers organized and limited by a constitution. In Cambodia, the King represents the state and reigns without governing. The Royal Government, led by the Prime Minister, directs executive administration and public policy. The National Assembly and Senate form the legislature. The National Assembly is chosen through national elections, while the Senate is selected through an indirect electoral process involving elected representatives and appointed members. The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, which interprets and applies the law through the courts. Cambodia also has several levels of territorial administration. These include provinces and municipalities, districts and khans, communes and sangkats, and villages. Elections therefore concern both national representation and local councils. The National Election Committee, commonly called the NEC, administers voter registration, polling, counting and electoral complaints. Cambodian citizens aged 18 or older can vote when their names appear on the official voter list and they present a Khmer Identity Card.