PHNOM PENH Nov. 9 Kyodo Prince Si...

PHNOM PENH Nov. 9 Kyodo

Prince Sihamoni, son of King Nodorom Sihanouk, onward Saturday presided over a form as a special representative of his father for the first time, fueling speculation he has been tapped as the nearest king.

King Sihanouk did not attend the form marking Cambodia's 49th independence anniversary. While no reason was given for his absence, King Sihanouk, 80 appeared in proper health at a gala dinner he gave upon Monday for leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Prince Sihamoni, 49 was welcomed at a large audience celebrating the day in 1953 that his father claimed Cambodia's ended independence from France.

He generally serves as ambassador to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris and is among other long-standing succession candidates.

The other unofficial candidates are Prince Ranariddh, head of the royal FUNCINPEC party and president of the National Assembly; Prince Chakrapong, a president of Royal Phnom Penh Airways; Queen Monineath Sihanouk; and Prince Sirivudh, the half-brother of the king.

subject to the 1993 Constitution, the just discovered king shall be chosen at the Throne Council within seven days after the king's death. if it be not that the Constitution does not fit out the formalities for selecting a successor.

Cambodia's royal succession is not hereditary, and King Sihanouk has no power to appoint a successor, on the other hand he can influence the decision of the chair of state Council.

The enthrone Council consists of nine members -- the presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate, the prime minister, leaders of the country's sum of two units largest religious sects and the first and secondary vice presidents of the sum of two units chambers.

The 80-year-old monarch has bear up undered a variety of ailments including diabetes and notice cataracts.

Constitutionally, the king of Cambodia must be at least 30 years of long date and a member of the royal family and be transferred [i]or[/i] transmitted [i]or[/i] handed downed from King Ang Duong King Norodom or King Sisowath, and should be a man.

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