Cambodia to Select King's SuccessorHis Majesty Norodom Sihanouk has said that he would respect the decisions made by the parliament and the royal government concerning his successor, according to a newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea report Tuesday.A draft bill concerning the King's successor was already submitted to the permanent committee of the parliament. The draft bill was initiated by a group of MPs from Sam Rainsy, led by Son Chhay who is also a member of the parliament's permanent committee. According to the draft bill, the king might know in advance who will succeed him, Son Chhay said, adding that last month he attended a meeting with a specific commission on this issue at the parliament. Article 9 of the draft bill clearly stipulates the requirements for qualified candidates. The candidates must be at least 30 years old, and be descendants of the royal family. The draft bill also mentions that the Crown Council shall choose at least two candidates from the royal family, and the new successor shall be selected within 7 days after the death of the king. |
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