Credible Elections in Cambodia

The United States supports a credible election process in Cambodia in which all political parties can compete in a safe environment on a level playing field.

Cambodia is well on its way to holding multiparty National Assembly elections on July 27 in which the Cambodian people will exercise their right to vote under universal suffrage. This is the third national election since the Paris Peace Accords of 1991 and the second to be administered by the government. This year, more than 93 percent of eligible voters have registered to vote. Past elections in Cambodia were marred by violence, killings, coercion and intimidation. This year, with an up-to-date Electoral Law, a new National Election Committee, and newly issued regulations, Cambodians have the mechanisms in place for the credible election process they deserve.

Strong measures by the government to prevent all forms of violence and to prosecute perpetrators are critical factors for more credible elections. The National Election Committee must demonstrate its neutrality and independence. In addition to ensuring a neutral environment, the Committee must fulfill its promise of equal media access for all parties and balanced news coverage, and act rapidly to deal with allegations of irregularities during the 30-day election campaign period, on polling day, and during the ballot counting process. Similarly, the provincial and commune-level election committees must act in accordance with the Committee's mandate and the law.

To support democratic institutions and parties, since last fall, the United States has provided $11 million for programs by non-governmental organizations during the election period such as voter and candidate education, and training for election monitors.

Donor nations regularly consult on the upcoming elections and concur on the importance of the National Election Committee's role and the necessity of assuring elections free of violence and intimidation. If the conduct of these 2003 national elections provides a safe environment for all participants to compete, equal access to the media, and effective controls of election abuses, we can anticipate that we would explore expanding areas of U.S. assistance to Cambodia.