THE CONSTITUTION 
OF THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA  
This Constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Assembly

in Phnom Penh on September 21, 1993 at its 2nd Plenary Session.

PREAMBLE

*****  

WE, THE PEOPLE OF CAMBODIA

Having known a grand civilization of a prosperous, powerful, and glorious nation whose prestige radiates like a diamond,

Having endured sufferings and destructions and having experienced a tragic decline in the course of the two decades,

awakened, stood up with a resolute determination to strengthen the national unity, to preserve and defend Cambodia’s territory and its precious sovereignty and the prestige of Angkor civilization, and to restore Cambodia into an “Island of  Peace” based on a multi-party liberal  democratic regime guaranteeing human rights and the respect of law, and responsible for the destiny of the nation always evolving toward progress, development, prosperity, and glory,

WITH THIS RESOLUTE WILL

We inscribe the following as the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia:

CHAPTER I : SOVEREIGNTY  

Article 1:

Cambodia is a Kingdom with a King who shall rule according to the Constitution and to the principles of liberal democracy and pluralism.

The Kingdom of Cambodia shall be independent, sovereign, peaceful, permanently neutral and non-aligned country.

Article 2:

The territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia, shall absolutely not to be violated within its borders as defined in the 1/100,000 scale map made between the year 1933-1953 and internationally recognized between the years 1963 - 1969.

Article 3:

The Kingdom of Cambodia is an indivisible state.

Article 4:

The motto of the Kingdom of Cambodia is:  “Nation, Religion, King”.

Article 5:

The official language and script are Khmer.

Article 6:

Phnom Penh is the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The national flag, anthem and coat-of-arms shall be defined in Annexes I-II and III

CHAPTER II :  THE KING

Article 7 :

The King of Cambodia shall reign but shall not govern.

The King shall be the Head of State for  life. The King shall be inviolable.

Article 8 :

The King of Cambodia shall be a symbol of unity and eternity of the nation.

The King shall be guarantor of the national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia the protector of rights and freedom for all citizens and the guarantor of international treaties.

Article 9:

The King shall assume the august role of arbitrator to ensure the faithful execution of public powers.

Article 10:

The Cambodian monarchy shall be an appointed regime.

Article 11:

If the King cannot perform his normal duties as Head of State due to His serious illness, as certified by doctors chosen by the Chairman of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the National Assembly shall perform the duties of Head of State as "regent".

Article 12:

In case of the death of the king, the Chairman of the National Assembly shall take over the responsibility as Acting Head of State in the capacity of Regent of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Article 13:

Within a period of not more than seven days, the new King of the Kingdom of Cambodia shall be chosen by the Royal Council of the throne.

The Royal Council of the Throne shall consist of :

·        Chairman of the National Assembly

·        Prime Minister

·        Samdech the Chiefs of the Orders of Mohanikay and Thammayut

·        The First and Second Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly

The organization and functioning of the Council of the Throne shall be determined by law.

Article 14:

The King of Cambodia shall be a member of the Royal family, of at least 30 years old, descending from the blood line of King Ang Duong, King Norodom or King Sisowath.

Upon enthronement, the King shall take the oath of allegiance as stipulated in Annex IV.

Article 15:

The wife of the reigning King shall have the royal title of Queen of Cambodia.

Article 16:

The Queen of the Kingdom of Cambodia shall not have the right to engage in politics, to assume the role of Head of State or Head of Government, or to assume other administrative or political roles.

The Queen of the Kingdom of Cambodia shall exercise activities that serve the social, humanitarian, religious interests, and shall assist the King with protocol and diplomatic functions.

 Article 17:

The provision as stated in the first clause of Article 7, "the King of Cambodia shall reign but shall not govern", absolutely shall not be amended.

Article 18:

The King shall communicate with the assembly by royal messages. These Royal messages shall not be subjected to discussion by the National Assembly.

Article 19:

The King shall appoint the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers according to the procedures stipulated in Article 100.

Article 20:

The King shall grant an audience twice a month to the Prime Minister and the Council  of Ministers to hear their  reports on the State of the Nation.

Article 21:

Upon Proposals by the Council of Ministers, the King shall sign decrees (Kret) appointing, transferring or ending the mission of high civil and military officials, ambassadors and Envoys Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

Upon proposals by the Supreme Council of Magistracy, the King shall sign decrees (Kret) appointing, transferring or  removing judges.

Article 22:

When the nation faces danger, the King shall make a proclamation to the people putting the country in state of emergency after agreement with the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Assembly.

Article 23:

The King is the Supreme Commander of the Royal Khmer  Armed Forces. The  Commander-in-Chief of the Royal  Khmer Armed Forces shall be appointed to command the Armed Forces.

Article 24:

The King shall serve as chairman of the Supreme Council of National Defense to be established by law.

The King shall declare war after approval of the National Assembly.

Article 25:

The King shall receive letters of credentials from ambassador or envoys extraordinary and plenipotentiary of foreign countries accredited to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Article 26:

The King shall sign and ratify international treaties and conventions after a vote of approval by the National Assembly.

Article 27:

The King shall have the right to grant partial or complete amnesty.

Article 28:

The King shall sign the law promulgating the Constitution, laws (Kram) adopted by the National Assembly, and sign decrees (Kret) presented by the Council of Minister.

Article 29:

The King shall establish and confer national medals proposed by the Council of Ministers. The King shall confer civil and military ranks as determined by law.

Article 30:

In the absence of the King, the President of the National Assembly shall assume the duty as acting Head of State.

CHAPTER III: THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF KHMER CITIZENS

Article 31:

The Kingdom of Cambodia shall recognize and respect human rights as stipulated in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human rights, the covenants and conventions related to human rights, women’s and children’s rights.

Every Khmer citizens shall be equal before the law, enjoying the same rights, freedom and fulfilling the same obligations regardless of race, color, sex, language, religious belief, political tendency, birth origin, social status, wealth or other status.

The  exercise of personal rights and freedom by any individual shall not adversely affect the rights and freedom of others. The exercise of such rights and freedom shall be in accordance with the law.

Article 32:

Every Khmer citizen shall have the right to life, personal freedom, and security.

There shall be no capital punishment.

Article 33:

Khmer citizens shall not be deprived of their nationality, exiled or arrested  and deported to any foreign country unless there is a mutual agreement on extradition.

Khmer citizens residing abroad enjoy the protection of the State.

The Khmer nationality shall be determined by a law.

Article 34:

Citizens of either sex shall enjoy the right to vote and to stand as a candidates for the election.

Citizens of either sex of at least eighteen years old,  have the right to vote. Citizens of either sex of at least 25 years old, have the right to stand as candidates for the election.

Provisions restricting the right to vote and to stand for the election shall be defined in the Electoral law.

Article 35:

Khmer citizens of either sex shall have the right to participate actively in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the nation.

Any suggestions from the people shall be given full consideration by the grant of the State.

Article 36:

Khmer citizens of either sex shall enjoy the right to choose any employment according their ability and to the needs of the society.

Khmer citizens of either sex shall receive equal pay for equal work.

The work by housewives in the home shall have the same value as what they can receive when working outside the home.

Every Khmer citizen shall have the right to obtain social security and other social benefits as determined by law.

Khmer citizens of either sex shall have the right to form and to be member of trade unions.

The organization and conduct of trade unions shall be determined by law.

Article 37:

The right to strike and to non-violent demonstration shall be implemented in the framework of a law.

Article 38:

The law guarantees there shall be no physical abuse against any individual.

The law shall protect life, honor, and dignity of the citizens.

The prosecution, arrest, or detention of any person shall not be done except in accordance with the law.

Coercion, physical ill-treatment or any other mistreatment that imposes additional punishment on a detainee or prisoner shall be prohibited. Persons who commit, participate or conspire in such acts shall be punished according to the law.

Confessions obtained by physical or mental force shall not be admissible as evidence of guilt.

Any case of doubt, it shall be resolved in favor of the accused.

The accused shall be considered innocent until the court has judged finally on the case.

Every citizen shall enjoy the right to defense through judicial recourse.

Article 39:

Khmer citizens shall have the right to denounce, make complaints or file claims against any breach of the law by state and social organs or by members of such organs committed during the course of their duties. The settlement of complaints and claims shall be the competence of the courts.

Article 40:

Citizens’ freedom to travel, far and near, and legal settlement shall be respected.

Khmer citizens shall have the right to travel and settle abroad and return to the country.

The rights to privacy of residence, and to the secrecy of correspondence by mail, telegram, fax, telex and telephone shall  be guaranteed.

Any search of the house, material and body shall be in accordance with the law.              

Article 41:

Khmer citizens shall have freedom of expression, press, publication and assembly. No one shall exercise this right to infringe upon the rights of others, to effect the good traditions of the society, to violate public law and order and national security.

The regime of the media shall be determined by law.

Article 42:

Khmer Citizens shall have the right to establish associations and political parties. These rights shall be determined by law.

Khmer citizens may take part in mass organizations for mutual benefit to protect national achievement and  social order.

Article 43:

Article 44:

All persons, individually or collectively, shall have the right to ownership. Only Khmer legal entities and citizens of Khmer nationality shall have the right to own land.

Legal private ownership shall be protected by law.

The right to confiscate properties from any person shall be exercised only in the public interest as provided for under the law and shall require fair and just compensation in advance.

Article 45:

All forms of discrimination against women shall be abolished.

The exploitation of women in employment  shall be prohibited.

Men and women are equal in all fields especially with respect to marriage and family matters.

Marriage shall be conducted according to conditions determined by law based on the principle of mutual consent between one husband and one wife.

Article 46:

The commerce of human beings, exploitation by prostitution and obscenity which affect the reputation of women shall be prohibited.

A woman shall not lose her job because of pregnancy. Woman shall have the right to take maternity leave with full pay and with no loss of seniority or other social benefits.

The state and society shall provide opportunities to women, especially to those living in rural areas without adequate social support, so they can get employment, medical care, and send their children to school, and to have decent living conditions.

Article 47:

Parents shall have the duty to take care of and educate their children to become good citizens.

Children shall have the duty to take good care of their elderly mother and father according to Khmer traditions.

Article 48:

The State shall protect the rights of children as stipulated in the Convention on Children, in particular, the right to life, education, protection during wartime, and from economic or sexual exploitation.

The State shall protect children from acts that are injurious to their educational opportunities, health and welfare.

Article 49:

Every Khmer citizen shall respect the Constitution and laws.

All Khmer citizens shall have the duty to take part in the national reconstruction and to defend the homeland. The duty to defend the country shall be determined by law.

Article 50:

Khmer citizens of either sex shall respect the principles of national sovereignty, liberal multi-party democracy.

Khmer citizens of either sex shall respect public and legally acquired private properties.

CHAPTER IV: ON  POLICY

Article 51:

The Kingdom of Cambodia adopts a policy of Liberal Democracy and Pluralism.

The Cambodian people are the master of their own country.

All powers belong to the people. The people exercise these powers through the National Assembly, the Royal Government and the Judiciary.

The Legislative, Executive, and the Judicial powers shall be separate.

Article 52:

The Royal Government of Cambodia shall protect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia, adopt the policy of national reconciliation to insure national unity, and preserve the good national traditions of the country. The Royal Government of Cambodia shall preserve and protect the law and ensure public order and security. The State shall give priority to endeavors which improve the welfare and standard of living of citizens.

Article 53:

The Kingdom of Cambodia adopts a policy of permanent neutrality and non-alignment. The Kingdom of Cambodia follows a policy of peaceful co-existence with its neighbors and with all other countries throughout the world.

The Kingdom of Cambodia shall not invade any country, nor interfere in any other country's internal affairs, directly or indirectly, and shall solve any problems peacefully with due respect for mutual interests.

The Kingdom of Cambodia shall not joint in any military alliance or military pact which is incompatible with its policy of neutrality.

The Kingdom of Cambodia shall not permit any foreign military base on its territory and shall not have its own military base abroad, except within the framework of a United Nations request.

The Kingdom of Cambodia reserves the right to receive foreign assistance in military equipment, armaments, ammunitions, in training of its armed forces, and other assistance for self-defense and to maintain public order and security within its territory.

Article 54:

The manufacturing, use and storage of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons shall be absolutely prohibited.

Article 55:

Any treaty and agreement incompatible with the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, neutrality and national unity of the Kingdom of Cambodia shall be annulled.

CHAPTER V: ECONOMY

Article 56:

The Kingdom of Cambodia shall adopt the market economy system. The preparation and process of this economic system shall be determined by the law.

Article 57:

Tax collection shall be in accordance with the law. The national budget shall be determined by law.

Management of the monetary and financial system shall be defined by law.

Article 58:

State property notably comprises land, mineral resources, mountains, sea, underwater, continental shelf, coastline, airspace, islands, rivers, canals, streams, lakes, forests, natural resources, economic and cultural centers, bases for national defense and other facilities determined as State property.

The control, use and management of State properties shall be determined by law.

Article 59:

The State shall protect the environment and balance of abundant natural resources and establish a precise plan of management of land, water, air, wind, geology, ecological system, mines, energy, petrol and gas, rocks and sand, gems, forests and forestry products, wildlife, fish and aquatic resources.

Article 60:

Khmer citizens shall have the right to sell their product. The obligation to sell products to the State, or the temporary use of private or State properties shall be prohibited unless authorized by law under special circumstances.

Article 61:

The State shall promote economic development in all sectors and remote areas, especially in agriculture, handicrafts, industry, with attention to policies of water, electricity, roads and means of transport, modern technology and a system of credit.

Article 62:

The State shall pay attention and help solve production matters, protect the price of products for farmers, crafters, and find marketplace for them to sell their products.

Article 63:

The State shall respect market management in order to guarantee a better standard of living for the people.

Article 64:

The State shall ban and severely punish those who import, manufacture sell illicit drugs, counterfeit and expired goods which affect the health and life of the consumers

CHAPTER VI:  EDUCATION, CULTURE, SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Article 65:

The State shall protect and upgrade citizens’ rights to quality education at all levels and shall take necessary steps for quality education to reach all citizens.

The State shall respect physical education and sports for the welfare of all Khmer citizens.

Article 66:

The state shall establish a comprehensive and standardized educational system throughout the country that shall guarantee the principles of educational freedom and quality to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunity to earn a living.

Article 67:

The State shall adopt an educational program according to the principle of modern pedagogy including technology and foreign languages.

The State shall control public and private schools and classrooms at all levels.

Article 68:

The State shall provide free primary and secondary education to all citizens in public schools.

Citizens shall receive education for at least 9 years.

The State shall disseminate and develop the Pali schools and the Buddhist Institute.

Article 69:

The State shall preserve and promote national culture.

The State shall Protect and promote the Khmer language as required.

The State shall preserve ancient monuments and artifacts and restore historic sites.

Article 70:

Any offense affecting cultural artistic heritage shall carry a severe punishment.

Article 71:

The perimeter of the national heritage sites as well as heritage that has been classified as world heritage, shall be considered neutral zones where there shall be no military activity.

Article 72:

The health of the people shall be guaranteed. The State shall give full consideration to disease prevention and medical treatment. Poor citizens shall receive free medical consultation in public hospitals, infirmaries and maternities.

The State shall establish infirmaries and maternities in rural areas.

Article 73:

The State  shall give full consideration to children and mothers. the State shall establish nurseries, and help support women and children who have inadequate support.

Article 74:

The State shall assist the disabled and the families of combatants who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Article 75:

The State shall establish a social security system for workers and employees.

CHAPTER VII: THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY  

Article 76:

The National Assembly consists of at least 120 members.

The deputies shall be elected by a free, universal, equal, direct and secret ballot.

The deputies may be re-elected.

Khmer citizens able to stand for election shall be the Khmer citizens of either sex who have the right to vote, at least 25 years of age, and who have Khmer nationality at birth.

Preparation for the election, procedure and electoral process shall be determined by an Electoral Law.

Article 77:

The deputies in the National Assembly shall represent the entire Khmer people, not only Khmers from their constituencies.

Any imperative mandate shall be nullified.

Article 78:

The legislative term of the National Assembly shall be 5 years and terminates on the day when the new National Assembly convenes.

The National Assembly shall not be dissolved before the end of its term except when the Royal government is twice deposed within a period of twelve months. In this case, following a proposal from the Prime Minister and the approval of the Chairman of the National Assembly, the King shall dissolve the National Assembly.

The election  of a new National Assembly shall be held no later than 60 days from the date of dissolution. During this period, the Royal government shall only be empowered to conduct routine business.

In time of war or other special circumstances where an election cannot be held, the National Assembly may extend its term for one year at a time, upon the request of the King.

Such an extension shall require at least a two-third vote of the entire National Assembly.

Article 79:

The National Assembly mandate shall be incompatible with the holding of any active public function and of any membership in other institutions provided for in the Constitution, except when the assembly members (s) is (are) required to serve in the Royal Government.

In this circumstances, the said assembly member (s) shall retain the usual assembly membership but shall not hold any position in the Permanent Standing Committee and in other assembly commissions.

Article 80:

The deputies shall enjoy parliamentary immunity.

No assembly member shall be prosecuted, detained or arrested because of opinions expressed during the exercise of his (her) duties.

The accusation, arrest, or detention of an assembly member shall be made only with the permission of the National Assembly or by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly between sessions, except in case of  flagrante delicto. In that case, the competent authority shall immediately report to the National Assembly or to the Standing Committee for decision.

The decision made by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly shall be submitted to the National Assembly at its next session for approval by a 2/3 majority vote of the assembly members.

In any case, detention or prosecution of a deputy shall be suspended by a 3/4 majority vote of the National Assembly members.

Article 81:

The National Assembly shall have an autonomous budget to conduct its function.

The deputies shall have receive a remuneration.

Article 82:

The National Assembly shall hold its first session no later than sixty days after the election upon notice by the King.

Before taking office, the National Assembly shall decide on the validity of each member's mandate and vote separately to choose a Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and members of each Commission by a 2/3 majority vote.

All National Assembly members must take oath before taking office according to the text contained in Annex 5.

Article 83:

The National Assembly shall hold its ordinary session twice a year.

Each session shall last at least three months. If there is a proposal from the King or the Prime Minister or at least 1/3 of the National Assembly members, the National Assembly Standing Committee shall call an extraordinary session of the National Assembly.

In this case, the agenda with the conditions of the extraordinary session, shall be disseminated to the population as well as the date of the meeting.

Article 84:

Between the National Assembly sessions, the National Assembly Standing Committee shall manage the work of the National Assembly.

The Permanent Standing Committee of the National Assembly consists of the Chairman of the National Assembly, the Vice-Chairmen, and the Chairmen of National Assembly Commissions.

Article 85:

The National Assembly sessions shall be held in the Royal Capital of Cambodia in the Assembly Hall, unless stipulated otherwise in the summons, due to special circumstances.

Except where so stipulated and unless held at the place and date as stipulated, any meeting of the National Assembly shall be considered as illegal and void.

Article 86:

If the country is in a state of emergency, the National Assembly shall meet every day continuously. The National Assembly has the right to terminate this state of emergency whenever the situation permits.

If the National Assembly is not able to meet because of circumstances such as the occupation by foreign forces the declaration of the state of emergency must be automatically extended.

During the state of emergency, the National Assembly shall not be dissolved.

Article 87:

The Chairman of the National Assembly shall chair the assembly session; receive draft bills and resolutions adopted by the National Assembly, ensure the implementation of the Internal Rules of Procedure and manage the assembly relations with foreign countries.

If the Chairman is unable to perform his/her duties due to illness or to fulfill the function of Head of State as interim or as a Regent, or is on a mission abroad, a Vice-Chairman shall replace him.

In case of resignation or death of the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman (men), the National Assembly shall elect a new Chairman or Vice-Chairman (men).

Article 88:

The National Assembly sessions shall be held in public.

The National Assembly shall meet in closed session at the request of the Chairman or of at least 1/10 of its members, of the King or of the Prime Minister.

The National Assembly meeting shall be considered as valid provided there is a quorum of 7/10 of all members.

Article 89:

Upon the request by at least 1/10 of its members the National Assembly shall invite a high ranking official to clarify important special issues.

Article 90:

The National Assembly shall be the only organ to hold legislative power. This power shall not be transferable to any other organ or any individual.

The National Assembly shall approve the national budget, State Plannings, loans, lendings and the creation, changes or annulment of tax.

The National Assembly shall approve Administrative Accounts.

The National Assembly shall approve the law on amnesty.

The National Assembly shall approve or annul treaties or international convention.

The National Assembly shall approve law on the declaration of war.

The adoption of the above-mentioned clauses shall be decided by a simple majority of the entire assembly membership.

The National Assembly shall pass a vote of confidence in the Royal Government by a 2/3 majority of all members.

Article 91:

The deputies and the Prime Minister shall have the right to initiate legislation.

The deputies shall have the right to propose any amendments to the laws, but, the proposals shall be unacceptable if they aim at reducing public income or increasing the burden on the people.

Article 92:

Laws adopted by the National Assembly which run counter to the principles of preserving national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and affect the political unity or the administration of the nation shall be annulled. The Constitutional Council is the only organ which shall decide upon this annulment.

Article 93:

Any law approved by the National Assembly and signed by the King for its promulgation, shall go into effect in Phnom Penh 10 days after signing and throughout the country 20 days after its signing.

Law that are stipulated as urgent shall take effect immediately throughout the country after promulgation.

All laws promulgated by the King shall be published in the Official Gazette and published throughout the country in accordance with the above schedule.

Article 94:

The National Assembly shall establish various necessary commissions. The organization and functioning of the National Assembly shall be determined by the Internal Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly.

Article 95:

In case of death, resignation, or dismissal of an assembly deputy  at least 6 months before the end of the mandate, a replacement shall be appointed in accordance with the Internal Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly and the Electoral Law.

Article 96:

The deputies have the right to put a motion against the Royal Government. The motion shall be submitted in writing through the Chairman of the National Assembly. 

The replies shall be given by one or several ministers depending on the matters related to the accountability of one or several ministers. If the case concerns the overall policy of the Royal Government, the Prime Minister shall reply in person.

The explanations by the ministers or by the Prime Minister shall be given verbally or in writing.

The explanations shall be provided within 7 days after the day when the question is received.

In case of verbal reply, the Chairman of the National Assembly shall decide whether to hold an open debate or not. If there is no debate, the answer of the minister or the Prime Minister shall be considered final. If there is a debate, the questioner, other speakers, the ministers, or the Prime Minister may exchange views within the time-frame not exceeding one session.

The National Assembly shall establish one day each week for questions and answers. There shall be no vote during any session reserved for this purpose.

Article 97:

The National Assembly commissions may invite any minister to clarify certain issues under his/her field of responsibility.

Article 98:

The National Assembly shall dismiss a member or members of the Royal Government or the whole Cabinet by the adoption of a motion of censure by 2/3 majority of the entire National Assembly.

The motion of censure shall be proposed to the National Assembly by at least 30 assembly members in order for the entire National Assembly to decide.  

CHAPTER VIII:  THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT

Article 99:

The Council of Ministers is the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The Council of Ministers shall be led by one Prime Minister assisted by Deputy Prime Ministers and by Senior Ministers, Ministers, and Secretaries of State as members.

Article 100:

At the recommendation of the Chairman and with the agreement of both the Vice-Chairmen of the National Assembly, the King shall designate a dignitary from among the representatives of the winning party to form the Royal Government. This designated representative along with other members chosen from the political parties or represented in the National Assembly, then present themselves to the National Assembly to ask for a vote of confidence.

After the National Assembly has given its vote of confidence, the King shall issue a Royal Decree (Kret) appointing the entire Council of Ministers.

Before taking office, the Council of Ministers shall take an oath as stipulated in Annex 6.

Article 101:

The functions of members of the Royal Government shall be incompatible with professional activities in trade or industry and with the holding of any position in the public service.

Article 102:

Members of the Royal Government shall be collectively responsible to the National Assembly for the overall policy of the Royal Government.

Each member of the Royal Government shall be individually responsible to the Prime Minister and the National Assembly for his/her own conduct.

Article 103:

Members of the Royal Government shall not use the orders, written or verbal, of anyone as grounds to exonerate themselves from their responsibility.

Article 104:

The Council of Ministers shall meet every week in plenary session or in a working session.

The Prime Minister shall chair the plenary sessions.

The Prime Minister may assign a Deputy Prime Minister to preside over the working sessions.

Minutes of the Council of Minister’s meetings shall be forwarded to the King for His information.

Article 105:

The Prime Minister shall have the right to delegate his power to a Deputy Prime Minister or to any member of the Royal Government.

Article 106:

If the post of Prime Minister is permanently vacant, a new Council of Ministers shall be appointed under the procedure stipulated in this Constitution. If the vacancy is temporary, an acting Prime Minister shall be provisionally appointed.

Article 107:

Each member of the Royal Government shall be punished for any crimes or misdemeanors that he/she has committed in the course of his/her duty.

In such cases and when he/she has committed serious offenses in the course of his/her duty, the Assembly shall decide to file charges against him/her with the competent court.

The assembly shall decide on such matters through a secret vote by a simple majority thereof.

Article 108:

The organization and functioning of the Council of Ministers shall be determined by law.

CHAPTER IX: THE JUDICIARY

Article 109:

The Judicial power shall be an independent power

The Judiciary shall guarantee and uphold impartiality and protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens.

The Judiciary shall cover all lawsuits including administrative ones.

The authority of the Judiciary shall be granted to the Supreme Court and to the lower courts of all sectors and levels.

Article 110:

Trials shall be conducted in the name of Khmer citizens in accordance with the legal procedures and laws in force.

Only judges shall have the right to adjudicate. A judge shall fulfill this duty with strict respect for the laws, wholeheartedly, and conscientiously.

Article 111:

Judicial power shall not be granted to the legislative or executive branches.

Article 112:

Only the Department of Public Prosecution shall have the right to file criminal suits.

Article 113:

The King shall be the guarantor of the independence of the Judiciary. The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall assist the King in this matter.

Article 114:

Judges shall not be dismissed. The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall take disciplinary actions against any delinquent judges.

Article 115:

The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall be chaired by the King. The King may appoint a representative to chair the Supreme Council of the Magistracy.

The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall be chaired by the King. The King may appoint a representative to chair the Supreme Council of the Magistracy.

The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall make proposals to the King on the appointment of judges and prosecutors to all courts.

The Supreme Council of Magistracy shall meet under the chairmanship of the President of the Supreme Court or the General Prosecutor of the Supreme Court to decide on disciplinary actions against judges or prosecutors.

Article 116:

The statutes of judges and prosecutors and the functioning of the judiciary shall be defined in separate laws.

CHAPTER X: THE CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL

Article 117:

The Constitutional Council shall have the duty to safeguard respect for the Constitution, and the laws passed by the National Assembly.

The Constitutional Council shall have the right to examine and decide on contested cases involving the election of assembly members.