PHNOM PENH, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Wednesday presided over the inaugural session of the Senate for the fifth legislature after a non-universal election in February.

The Senate, or the upper house of the parliament, has 62 seats, and the election was held for 58 seats, as two senators were appointed by the king and two others were nominated by the National Assembly, or the lower house.

In the February non-universal election, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won 55 Senate seats and the opposition Khmer Will Party gained the remaining three seats.

Sihamoni extended his warmest congratulations to the senators-elect, urging them to adhere to the rules and ethics of the Senate and to demonstrate a great sense of responsibility in carrying out their duties in order to bring confidence and warmth to their fellow citizens.

"The Senate must protect the public interest and social justice for social equity, respect for the rights, freedoms, beliefs and dignity of everyone, and improve the quality of life by ensuring long-term happiness and harmony within the family, the community and our society as a whole," he said in a speech during the inaugural session.

"On this auspicious occasion, I would like to wish the Senate of the 5th legislature all the best in discharging its duties and responsibilities in a more efficient, transparent and accountable manner, in order to successfully pursue its mission in the interests of the nation, the homeland and the people as a whole," he added.

Meanwhile, the Cambodian king highlighted the importance of peace, saying that maintaining peace and stability was an overall prerequisite and an indispensable environment to ensure the standards of living and the progress of the nation in all areas.

After the inaugural session, the first senate session will be convened and former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the CPP, is expected to be elected as the president of the Senate, according to a Senate's official schedule.

All the senators are scheduled to take the oath of allegiance at the Royal Palace on Wednesday afternoon.

The Senate was founded in 1999, with each term lasting six years. Enditem

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