Omar Bennett
The Kingdom of Cambodia has had six constitutions since 1945. The most recent Cambodian constitution, also known as the New Constitution, was written in 1993 and adopted in compliance with the 1991 Agreements on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict. The 1993 Constitution was influenced by the United Nations and the International Community, reflecting modern constitutional characteristics such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Constitutions since 1945 | 6 |
| First Constitution | 1947 |
| First Constitution duration | 1947-1970 |
| First Constitution last amended | 1964 |
| Second Constitution | 1972 |
| Second Constitution duration | 1970-1975 |
| Third Constitution | 1976 |
| Third Constitution duration | 1975-1979 |
| Fourth Constitution | 1981 |
| Fourth Constitution duration | 1979-1989 |
| Current Constitution | 1993 |
| Current Constitution adopted | September 21, 1993 |
| Current Constitution promulgated | September 24, 1993 |
| Sixth Amendment | February 15, 2008 |
| Seventh Amendment | October 23, 2014 |
| Eighth Amendment | February 27, 2018 |
| Ninth Amendment | November 3, 2021 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The current Cambodian constitution was adopted in 1993
- There have been nine amendments to the constitution
- The constitution is the supreme law of Cambodia
- The constitution reflects modern characteristics like democracy and human rights
- The constitution also reflects traditional characteristics like kingship and state religion
The current Cambodian constitution was adopted in 1993
The current Cambodian Constitution, also known as the New Constitution of 1993, was adopted on 21 September 1993 by the Constituent Assembly, which emerged from the 1993 election sponsored by the United Nations. It was then promulgated on 24 September 1993. This constitution is the sixth version of the Cambodian Constitution since 1945 and was established in compliance with the 1991 Agreements on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict, also known as the Paris Agreement.
The 1993 Constitution was influenced by both the United Nations and the international community, reflecting modern constitutional characteristics such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Additionally, it acknowledges Cambodia's historical and traditional characteristics, including kingship, state religions, and state institutions. This blend of influences results in a model of parliamentary democracy, specifically the British/Japanese version, rather than the French or American system of presidential democracy with a strict separation of powers.
The Cambodian Constitution is the supreme law of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and all laws and decisions made by state institutions must conform to its provisions. It establishes Cambodia as an independent, sovereign, peaceful, permanently neutral, and non-aligned country. The Constitution also enshrines the principles of liberal democracy, pluralism, and human rights, with the people exercising power through the National Assembly, the Senate, the Royal Government, and the Judiciary.
The Constitution has undergone several amendments since its inception in 1993. Notable amendments include those in 1999, 2008, 2014, 2018, and the most recent amendment in 2021, which aimed to ban high dignitaries from holding nationalities other than Cambodian. These amendments reflect the evolving nature of Cambodia's constitutional framework and its adaptation to changing circumstances.
The Constitution's Room: Where History Was Written
You may want to see also
There have been nine amendments to the constitution
The current Constitution of Cambodia, also known as the New Constitution of 1993, was adopted on September 21, 1993, and promulgated on September 24, 1993. This constitution was influenced by the United Nations and the international community, reflecting modern constitutional characteristics such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Since its adoption, there have indeed been nine amendments to the constitution, with the most recent one occurring in 2021.
The first amendment came in March 1999, with changes to Articles 26 and 28. The King was now required to sign and ratify international treaties and conventions after a vote of approval by the National Assembly and the Senate. Additionally, the King was given the right to sign laws promulgated under the Constitution, laws adopted by the National Assembly, and those reviewed by the Senate.
The second amendment, also in March 1999, saw Article 51 modified to adopt a policy of Liberal Democracy and Pluralism. This amendment emphasised that the Cambodian people are the masters of their country and that all power belongs to them.
The third amendment, occurring on February 15, 2008, aimed to reform the structure of territorial administration within the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The fourth amendment was promulgated on October 23, 2014, and it gave constitutional status to the National Election Committee (NEC).
The fifth amendment, on February 27, 2018, sought to promote Khmer national values and protect national independence, sovereignty, and unity against external interference.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth amendments to the Constitution of Cambodia focused on various aspects of governance and national identity.
Finally, the ninth amendment, occurring on November 3, 2021, banned high dignitaries holding specific positions, such as the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Constitutional Council, from having any nationality other than Cambodian. This amendment ensured that these key positions were held by individuals with solely Cambodian nationality, further emphasising the country's commitment to protecting its independence and sovereignty.
The UK's Constitution: Written or Unwritten?
You may want to see also
The constitution is the supreme law of Cambodia
The Cambodian Constitution establishes a parliamentary democracy of government, with the King as the head of state. The King rules according to the Constitution and the principles of liberal democracy and pluralism. Cambodia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity are guaranteed under the Constitution, with the country adopting a policy of neutrality and non-alignment. The Constitution also outlines the roles of various state institutions, including the National Assembly, the Senate, the Royal Government, and the judiciary.
Article 25 of the Constitution states that the King shall receive letters of credentials from ambassadors or envoys of foreign countries. The King also ratifies international treaties and conventions, with the approval of the National Assembly and the Senate. The King has the right to grant amnesty and sign laws, including the Constitution itself. The Constitution further outlines the administrative divisions of the country, with provinces, municipalities, districts, and communes governed according to organic laws.
The Cambodian Constitution also provides for the rights and duties of Khmer citizens. Citizens are required to respect the Constitution and laws of the country, as well as take part in national reconstruction and defend the homeland. They are also expected to respect the principles of national sovereignty and liberal democracy, as well as private property rights. The Constitution ensures that all power belongs to the people, who exercise it through the National Assembly, the Senate, the Royal Government, and the judiciary.
The Constitution of Cambodia has undergone several amendments since its inception in 1993. These amendments have addressed various issues, including territorial administration, the status of the National Election Committee, the promotion of Khmer national values, and the nationality requirements for high dignitaries. The most recent amendment, in 2021, aimed to ensure the regular functioning of national institutions.
Compromise-Free Constitution: A Possibility or a Fantasy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
The constitution reflects modern characteristics like democracy and human rights
The current Cambodian constitution, the New Constitution of 1993, was adopted on September 21, 1993, and promulgated on September 24, 1993. It was made under the influence of the United Nations and the international community and reflects modern characteristics like democracy and human rights.
The Cambodian Constitution of 1993 is the supreme law of the country. It is based on modern principles such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as the separation of powers. The Constitution also reflects historical and traditional characteristics of the Kingdom, including kingship, state religions, and state institutions. The 1993 Constitution was drafted in compliance with the 1991 Paris Agreement, also known as the Agreements on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict.
The Cambodian Constitution of 1993 enshrines a British/Japanese model of parliamentary democracy, with a clear separation of powers. The legislative power is vested in the National Assembly and the Senate, the executive power in the Council of Ministers and the Royal Government of Cambodia, and the judicial power in the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Council. The Constitution imposes five duties on individuals, including the duty of parents and children to take good care of each other, to protect and promote the quality of education, and to preserve and promote national culture, the Khmer language, ancient temples, artifacts, and historic sites.
The Cambodian Constitution of 1993 recognizes and respects all fundamental human rights outlined in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and related covenants and conventions. It also acknowledges a set of fundamental rights unique to Cambodia. To ensure the protection of these rights, the Royal Government of Cambodia has implemented judicial and legal reforms since 2003. These reforms include strategies such as the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) and the Rectangular Strategy, which outline priority actions such as modernizing the legal framework and improving the dissemination and enforcement of laws.
The Cambodian Constitution has undergone several amendments since its promulgation in 1993. These amendments have aimed to address various issues, such as territorial administration, the constitutional status of the National Election Committee, and the promotion of Khmer national values. The most recent amendment, the ninth amendment, was promulgated in November 2021 and focused on ensuring that high dignitaries hold Cambodian nationality.
Unwritten Rules: Nations Without a Formal Constitution
You may want to see also
The constitution also reflects traditional characteristics like kingship and state religion
The current Cambodian Constitution, also known as the New Constitution of 1993, was adopted on 21 September 1993 and promulgated on 24 September 1993. It was influenced by the United Nations and the international community and reflects modern constitutional characteristics such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Cambodian Constitution also reflects traditional characteristics like kingship and state religion. Cambodia is a kingdom with a king, as outlined in Article 1 of the Constitution, which states that the king shall rule according to the Constitution and the principles of liberal democracy and pluralism. The king of Cambodia has various responsibilities and powers, including receiving letters of credentials from foreign ambassadors and signing international treaties after approval from the National Assembly and the Senate.
The Cambodian Constitution also recognises the importance of religion in the country's history and culture. While it does not establish an official state religion, it acknowledges the presence and influence of religion in Cambodian society. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship, allowing citizens to practice their religious beliefs without interference from the state.
The Cambodian Constitution has been revised multiple times since its inception, with amendments made in 1994, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2014, and 2018. These revisions reflect the evolving nature of Cambodian society and the desire to balance traditional values with modern democratic principles.
The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and all laws and decisions made by state institutions must conform to its provisions. It outlines the rights and duties of Cambodian citizens, including the respect for national sovereignty and the participation in national reconstruction and defence. The Constitution also establishes the structure of the government, including the roles of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Royal Government, and the judiciary.
Text Messages: Written Notice in Florida Law?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The first constitution of Cambodia was written on May 6, 1947, and was in effect until March 31, 1964.
There have been nine amendments to the Cambodian constitution since 1945, with the most recent amendment taking place on November 3, 2021.
The current Cambodian constitution, also known as the New Constitution, was written in 1993 and adopted on September 24, 1993.
The Cambodian Constitutional Council website offers an unofficial English translation of the 1993 constitution as amended to 2015. The original 1993 constitution in English is available on the Cambodia Law Services website.
