THE CEROC

The major political parties yesterday spent nearly five hours defending two election-related laws that have been criticised as deeply flawed by election watchdogs to an audience of hundreds at the National Assembly.

But the laws’ most vociferous critics – a coalition of NGOs called the Electoral Reform Alliance (ERA) – were not present to probe the parties after boycotting the meeting, which they slammed as a rushed consultation of little substance.

At the event, however – which was attended by some 500 officials, diplomats, civil society representatives, media and members of the public – it was evident that criticisms made publicly by ERA had been heard, even if they wouldn’t necessarily be acted on.

“I have heard that the draft [election] law is worse than the existing law. But those who say that have not read the existing law,” opposition election reform working group member Eng Chhay Eang told the audience.
“The previous law was very [bad].”

European Union Ambassador Jean-Francois Cautain, meanwhile, received a frosty reception from senior ruling party lawmaker Chheang Vun after raising concerns about the amended election law’s restrictions on what NGOs can do or say during the election period.

“It seems that Article 84 may be, to a certain extent, in contradiction or at least challenge Article 41 of your constitution [which guarantees freedom of expression] as well as the commitment of Cambodia in the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights,” he said during question time.

Article 84 prohibits NGOs from “insulting” any party or candidate and releasing statements that show bias to any party, which groups have said could have a chilling effect on their willingness to speak out about irregularities at election time.
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