NICFEC is a neutral and impartial grassroots network of advocates and volunteers supported by an alliance of seven non-governmental organizations that works on election education, monitoring and advocacy. This coalition includes LICADHO, the Cambodian Association for Development, the Architecture Students Association, the Khmer Literature Students Association, the Organization of Community Development Economic, the League of Professors for Development and the Fine Arts Association.

In between elections, NICFEC also conducts education, advocacy and training programs to promote human rights and good governance. Areas of experience include decentralization, human rights, women’s rights, anti-corruption, Khmer Rouge tribunals and public health. NICFEC relies on its strong network of provincial and district coordinators and over 7,000 non-partisan local volunteers in all 24 provinces who are committed to the process of democratization and the development of a transparent and accountable government in Cambodia.

NICFEC originally conducted drama performances and film shows at the request of UNTAC during the 1993 election period. NICFEC was registered with the Ministry of Interior (Permit No. 473) on 25 June, 1998, to continue using performing arts to educate people in subsequent elections.

NICFEC, in collaboration with other election monitors, has also conducted extensive lobbying to reform the electoral system in Cambodia.  Major issues have included the composition of the National Election Commission, the election of candidates to the National Assembly by proportional representation versus direct election, and equal access to the media. The primary tactics used have included research into the attitudes of the public towards direct representation, meetings with decision makers, media campaigns and public education.

NICFEC was selected to consult on the CCDP project. NICFEC’s role within the CCDP project involved conducting public awareness activities to improve and strengthen the decentralization process in Cambodia following the first commune council elections of 2002. Furthermore, these methods of communication proved effective in explaining complicated and abstract notions such as governance, democracy and decentralization.

NICFEC has previously received funding from UNDP, The Asia Foundation, NDI, the Embassy of Japan, the U.S. Embassy, the EU, the ADB, Forum Syd, NZAID, ICCO, CIDA, GTZ and ARDA.