Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 25 – Cambodian Senate passed the proposed amendments to Political Party Law that will allow the banned politicians to re-enter politics.

The amendment was voted support by all the 56 senators in a Tuesday’s meeting presided over by Samdech Say Chhum, President of the Senate.

The amended Article 45 of the Law on Political Parties stipulated that “Individual whom the court banned from doing political activities could not create a new party, or participate in any other political parties, or be a candidate for others to vote, or do any activities to support or oppose other parties. Individual whom the court banned from doing political activities will receive absolute rights to legally participate in political activities when banning expired as determined by the Supreme Court’s verdict, or in the case that individual has been rehabilitated by His Majesty King as requested by Prime Minister in accordance with the proposal of Minister of Interior.”

The proposed amendment is one of the agendas of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s further steps to strengthen democracy and political space as well as facilitate freedom of press, CSOs, and unions.

Sam Rainsy’s confidant Kong Korm, also former President of Sam Rainsy Party, said on 20 December 2018 that about 10 of the 118 former CNRP officials will request to re-enter politics.