Senate (Cambodia)

The Senate (ព្រឹទ្ធសភា, ; lit. 'Senatorial Assembly') is the upper house of the Parliament of Cambodia. It is a legislative body composed of 62 members. 58 of the Senate seats are elected every six years by the commune councillors from 24 provinces of Cambodia and members of the National Assembly. In addition, the King nominates two senators, and the National Assembly nominates two, ending with a total of 62 senators. The Senate performs its duties as determined in the constitution and law in force. The Senate is chaired and presided by the president, currently Hun Sen of the Cambodian People's Party and assisted by two Vice Presidents.

The first Senate session was held on March 25, 1999, and the first election was held on January 22, 2006. The fifth and current Senate was inaugurated by King Norodom Sihamoni on April 3, 2024.

Electoral system
The Senate of Cambodia is elected every 6 years by an indirect party-list proportional representation through 8 multi members constituencies (regions), with the Communal Chiefs, Communal Councilors, Members of the National Assembly.

Term and session
Article 102: The term of the Senate is six years and ends on the day when the new Senate takes office.

Article 107: The Senate holds its ordinary sessions twice a year. Each session shall last at least three months. If requested by the king or Prime Minister, or at least one-third of all the senators, the Senate shall convene in an extraordinary session.

An absolute majority vote of all senators is used in the following cases:
 * Election of the President, Vice Presidents of the Senate and all members of the commissions or special commission
 * Adoption of organic laws
 * Adoption of the internal regulations of the Senate
 * Adoption of laws or issues

A two-thirds majority vote of all senators is used for the following cases:
 * Adoption of the Constitution law
 * The vote pertaining to the decision to indict, arrest, detent, confinement disciplinary action, parliamentary immunity, incompatibility, loss of membership, or abandonment of post.

A three-fourths majority vote of all senators is to be used to decide on the suspension of detention or indictment of any senator.

Leadership
The President of the Senate is assisted by two Vice Presidents who lead the Senate. If the President is unable to perform his/her duties due to illness or due to fulfilling the functions of Acting Head of State or as a Regent, or due to being on a mission abroad, a Vice President shall replace him. (Article 110-New of the Constitution)

The Permanent Committee of the Senate consists of:


 * The President of the Senate
 * Two Vice Presidents of the Senate
 * The Chairman of the nine Commissions of the Senate