Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, Cambodia's second Chinese-invested expressway, in Kandal province, Cambodia, on June 7, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

PHNOM PENH - Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said here on Wednesday that anyone or any political party obstructing the July general election will be fined and could also face criminal charges.

An amendment to the election laws to punish the violators will be made ahead of the upcoming election, he said.

"Those using iniquitous means to block or incite people not to go to the polls will be fined from 5 million riels ($1,250) to 20 million riels by the National Election Committee," he said in a speech during a meeting with thousands of garment factory workers.

Cambodia is scheduled to hold a general election for the 125-seat National Assembly on July 23, 2023, the National Election Committee said, adding that more than 9.7 million Cambodians have registered to cast their ballots

"This has not yet included criminal charges," he said.

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On Tuesday, the prime minister also said that the Southeast Asian nation will modify its election laws to ban politicians or political officials who don't vote from running as candidates in future elections.

Cambodia is scheduled to hold a general election for the 125-seat National Assembly on July 23, 2023, the National Election Committee said, adding that more than 9.7 million Cambodians have registered to cast their ballots.

Eighteen political parties will contest the election. Among them are the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the royalist Funcinpec Party.

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In the last general election held five years ago, the CPP won all 125 seats in the parliament.