A delegation of Cambodian Association in Australia, who took part in the observation of the 2022 Commune/Sangkat Council Election in Cambodia, lauded the peaceful and democratic electoral process.

The following is their full Statement of Observation released yesterday: 

“STATEMENT OF OBSERVATION

CAMBODIAN ASSOCIATIONS IN AUSTRALIA ON THE 5TH MANDATE OF COMMUNE/SANGKAT COUNCIL ELECTION IN CAMBODIA

At the invitation of the National Election Committee (NEC) through the Civil Society Alliance Forum (CSAF), we, (1) Mr. SON SARAT, President of Khmer Australia Association in Queensland, Inc.; (2) Mr. LY KHUNG NAM, President of Cambodian Friendship and Cultural Association of South Australia Inc. and (3) Mr. HUYNH OR, Representative of Khmer Australian Association of Victoria Inc. and members of the associations have the honor to participate as registered international observers in the 5th Mandate of Commune / Sangkat Council Election in Cambodia, which was held on 5 June 2022.

During the mission in Cambodia, we visited various polling stations to observe the general situations of the electoral process from the opening of the ballot boxes to the ballot casting by voters to vote counting. In addition, we met with government leaders, members of political parties, representative of the NEC and members of the civil society. We observed that the electoral process proceeded peacefully and democratically.

Though Cambodia’s democracy is young, its democratic model can be a good example for other post-conflict countries in the conduct of democratic elections. Our observation shows that the democratic process through elections in Cambodia has thrived continuously since the first democratic UN-administered election in 1993. In 1998, Cambodia could organise the national elections by itself with remarkable success. Since then, the NEC has been reformed constantly toward a transparent and effective mechanism of handling the electoral process. We can say that the NEC is an independent body with professionalism, which ensures that Cambodian voters can vote freely and peacefully. As Cambodians living abroad, we are so satisfied with these great achievements in the electoral progress and democracy.”

Some 7.38 million eligible voters or 80.19 percent of the registered voters went to vote in the 2022 Commune/Sangkat Council Election held on June 5 with the participation of 17 political parties, reflecting a vibrant participation in the multi-party-democratic process. According to the preliminary figures, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won most of the commune/Sangkat council seats, followed by the opposition Candlelight Party (CLP).

Besides, CDI, AIPA, IPTP, ICAPP, IO (Independent Observers), Think Tank 2022 Forum, and CAPDI have also issued their statements supporting the smooth, peaceful and non-violent process of the local election.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press