Preamble

We, the people of Cambodia

Accustomed to having been an outstanding civilization, a prosperous,
large, flourishing and glorious nation, with high prestige radiating line a
diamond

Having declined grievously during the past two decades, having gone
through suffering and destruction, and having been weakened terribly,

Having awakened and resolutely rallied and determined to unite for the
consolidation of national unity, the preservation and defense of Cambodia's
territory and precious sovereignty and the fine Angkor civilization, and the
restoration of Cambodia into an " Island of Peace" based on multi-party liberal

The current constitution of Cambodia has been adopted a policy of liberal democracy and pluralism since after the agreement on the comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian conflict and the national elections of the people’s representatives to the National State Assembly supported by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). Since then, Cambodia became a constitutional monarchy. The Cambodian people are the masters of their own country.

History of Cambodian Constitution

The Constitution of 1953 - 1975

In the article 1 of the Constitution (1953-1970) Cambodia was recognised as a monarchy, and all powers were derived from the king (Article 21). The legislative, executive and judicial powers were exercised in the name of the king (Articles 22, 23 and 24). The National Assembly alone should pass the laws. It might not delegate this right (Article 65). The judicial organisation should be regulated by a special law (Article 113). A high council of judiciary should ensure the discipline and independence of judges in accordance with the law. This council should be presided over by the law (Article 114).

Cambodia has gone through many major changes reflecting the heroic sacrifice of the Cambodian people to protect and to rebuild their homeland, the standard of their living, and the prosperity of their future. On the Paris Peace Agreements, a comprehensive political settlement for the restoration of peace in Cambodia, were signed on October 23, 1991 by the four main Cambodian political parties, 19 countries, and the United Nations. Under the agreements, the United Nations was in charge of creating conditions for a long-lasting peace, laying the groundwork for a pluralistic democracy, rehabilitating the country's infrastructure, and repatriating over 300,000 Cambodian refugees and displaced persons. As a result of the accords, a U.N sponsored general election was held in May 1993 to elect members of a Constituent Assembly which was to draft a new constitution.