NA passes conscription law

All 114 lawmakers present in the National Assembly vote in favour of the conscription law, in Phnom Penh, yesterday. KT/Khem Sovannra

Synopsis: The Act exempts monks, religious leaders, people with disabilities, and experts in essential roles from service, while women may volunteer to enlist.

The National Assembly yesterday unanimously approved the conscription law, paving the way for two years of mandatory service for male Cambodians aged 18 to 25, as part of efforts to strengthen national defence and build reserve forces.

All 114 lawmakers present voted in favour of the law in the plenary session after Prime Minister Hun Manet defended the legislation before the assembly.

The legislation, consisting of eight chapters and 20 articles, sets out the framework for military service. The government described military service as a necessary and honourable duty of citizens and the foundation for strengthening national defence, patriotism, and social responsibility.

Under the law, male Cambodian citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 will be required to complete 24 months of military service. Exemptions apply to monks, religious leaders, people with disabilities, and experts on national missions. Women are not required to serve but may volunteer.

The legislation also introduces penalties for draft evasion. Those who dodge military service during peacetime face prison sentences ranging from six months to two years. During wartime or in cases of foreign invasion, penalties increase to between two and five years in prison.

During the debate, Mr Hun Manet said the government had carefully studied the military service models of other countries before preparing the draft.

He cited the universal military service systems of Switzerland and Israel, the need-based conscription systems of Singapore and Finland, and the volunteer model of the United States.

Mr Hun Manet said Cambodia, as a small country with limited resources, requires a practical and flexible system that can strengthen the armed forces while allowing the government to mobilise troops quickly and efficiently when necessary.

“For Cambodia, the need-based conscription system is the most appropriate option to strengthen and expand the standing army and ensure rapid mobilisation capabilities,” he said.

He added that the government drafted the law based on Cambodia’s current realities and existing legal frameworks.

“To make the law more comprehensive and a stronger legal instrument for both the present and the future, I request the approval of the National Assembly,” Mr Hun Manet said.

He pointed to the lessons learnt in recent years, saying Cambodia must rely on its own strength during times of crisis.

“When Cambodia faces difficulties, no one can help us at all times except ourselves. This situation has prompted the government to implement a comprehensive military conscription law supported by an effective national defence policy and strategy,” he said.

Mr Hun Manet stressed that the law is not solely to boost military capacity but also to provide broader benefits to society by instilling discipline in the youth and training them for human resource development.

“The implementation of the 2026 military conscription law is truly necessary and indispensable for Cambodia’s survival and national unity,” he said.

He added that those who have completed military service will remain in the reserves until they turn 45.

Kin Phea, Director-General of the Institute of International Relations of Cambodia, welcomed the draft law, saying it would benefit the nation. He called on the government to prepare clear regulations to ensure the law is enforced transparently, fairly, and in line with its intended purpose while preventing corruption and nepotism.

-Khmer Times-