King to Convene Parliament After Beijing Trip

King Norodom Sihamoni flew to Beijing on Monday, accompanied by Queen Mother Norodom Monineath for a routine medical checkup, but will return to Cambodia to preside over the opening session of the fifth mandate of the National Assembly, according to a statement released by the Royal Palace. The timing of the monarch’s departure has raised eyebrows coming just two weeks after last month’s national election saw both main parties claim victory, and on the same day that the National Election Committee released its official preliminary election results amid an ongoing dispute over voting irregularities. As head of state, the King is designated by the Constitution to convene the first session of Parliament within 60 days of the polls. In the King’s absence, the responsibility falls to Senate President Chea Sim—who is also president of the ruling CPP. …

The Cambodia Daily
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/king-to-convene-parliament-after-beijing-trip-39273/