This detailed study charts the evolution of internationally assisted elections in Cambodia beginning in 1993 with the vote supervised by the United Nations Transitional Authority (UNTAC). Although the UNTAC operation was unprecedented in its size and political scope, the less-than-democratic outcome of the 1993 vote (with Hun Sen and his Cambodian People’s Party losing but remaining in power) began two decades of internationally assisted elections manipulated and controlled by Hun Sen and the CPP. Since then, disparate international actors have been complicit in supporting ‘authoritarian elections’ while promoting a more democratic and transparent electoral process. This has produced a relatively stable political-economic system serving the interests of a powerful and wealthy ruling elite but at the expense of overall positive socio-economic and political change. It has also allowed opposition forces to co-exist alongside a repressive state and to compete in elections that still hold out
Michael Sullivan is currently an advisor to the Committee for Free and Fair Elections (COMFREL) in Phnom Penh. He has been living and working in Cambodia full-time since 2007. He worked at the Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) from 2008-13, and served as the Director from 2009. He completed a doctorate in Political Science at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 2005. As well as elections, he has researched and published on Chinese aid to Cambodia and conservation and development issues.
This part (77), Mr. Sophan described on how “exclusive policy” has been pervasive in Cambodian society under the leadership of Hun Sen.
Courtesy: crisismagazine
As evident, the conviction of Kem Sokha on his accusation by not showing at the court as witness, is not relevant. The witness absence with legitimate cause and representation shall not be fallen into such crime conviction.
The governance system in many other fields have displayed biases and exclusiveness which lead to future stagnation of developing this country. Without having inclusiveness in leadership shall be ended up with intractable conflicts and divisions in our society.
Political Paradigm of Pragmatism from the Khmer Youth part 75
This part (75) is broadcasted by CMN Radio on 28-29 July 2016, Mr. Sophan Seng articulated on Voters Registration that is lacking inclusiveness. NEC have not solely decided to help facilitate those inside the country to access to vote registration comfortably, but Cambodians overseas migrant workers and those permanent is remained negligent. As a recommendation, Mr. Sophan suggested NEC to create “mobile team” to target those “special need group” voters such as those sicks in the hospitals, the very old seniors, remote citizens or minority, and soldiers who are stationing at the borderline etc. This mobile team can also register “Khmers overseas” to vote as well.
What is very clear in argument is the new computer system doesn’t need voters to register at their own commune/sangkat offices because the system can allocate them to their commune/sangkat voting boots by referring to their permanent address. Migrant workers in both domestic and international, should be incentivized through this voting placement allocation mechanism.
This first of September is the first day of voters registration by establishing new voter list through new technology of computer database, but The CEROC has remained:
Worry on inclusiveness of this new voter list creation
Political influence of government over the National Election Committees (NEC)
Political Paradigm of Pragmatism from the Khmer Youth part 74
The CEROC president appealed Cambodia National Election Committees (NEC) to ensure inclusiveness in voters registration.
Voters registration is the first step important to second step of election day. While the voters registration could be conducted everywhere, migrant workers and Cambodian abroad should be included.
Public Statement
As voters registration day is looming, Committee for Elections Rights of Overseas Cambodians (the CEROC) issued this public statement with following objectives:
– Encourage all overseas Cambodians to register to vote altogether
– The CEROC has maintained its status to inquire NEC to facilitate and make it easy for all Cambodians overseas to register to vote.
This detailed study charts the evolution of internationally assisted elections in Cambodia beginning in 1993 with the vote supervised by the United Nations Transitional Authority (UNTAC). Although the UNTAC operation was unprecedented in its size and political scope, the less-than-democratic outcome of the 1993 vote (with Hun Sen and his Cambodian People’s Party losing but remaining in power) began two decades of internationally assisted elections manipulated and controlled by Hun Sen and the CPP. Since then, disparate international actors have been complicit in supporting ‘authoritarian elections’ while promoting a more democratic and transparent electoral process. This has produced a relatively stable political-economic system serving the interests of a powerful and wealthy ruling elite but at the expense of overall positive socio-economic and political change. It has also allowed opposition forces to co-exist alongside a repressive state and to compete in elections that still hold out
