Pemantauan kempen pilihanraya kecil P44

Cambodian Electoral Concern from Asian International Observers

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has been invited by COMFREL and NICFEC to observe an important election in Cambodia.  Asian observers from 7 countries from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Philippines, India, Thailand and Nepal have clear expectation of observing a better electoral practice and democratic environment in the Kingdom of Cambodia.  ANFREL aims to follow up the effective participation of Cambodian stakeholders to reach their supreme goal for actual democracy.

ANFREL’s 2008 observation is the forth mission since 1998, the observers are looking forward to the 27^th July Election being conducted in a credible manner, with less violence, equal treatment between all the parties- opposition and ruling, majors and others, new and old.  A positive political development, free and fair poll as well as neutrality of the National Election Committee (NEC) can create a good image among the international community.   Meanwhile all party leaders and candidates should adhere to the law, avoid black campaigning, voter bribery and stay away from physical and verbal violence.  All stakeholders must try by all means to end the violence and bring justice to all killing cases over parties’ activists, supporters, journalist.

However, during the last few weeks, ANFREL observers have noticed that most media: TVs, Radios and local Newspapers have not maintained as much professional conduct in their work as expected.  Most have not been fair in broadcasting or writing the news of political parties equally. Information of candidates from ruling parties and opposition parties are quite imbalanced. Observers have requested the NEC to encourage more cooperation from all media to make the electoral environment more fair and democratic.
In line to local observation and international standard, the NEC is supposed to be the most respected body for all election, Guideline for the Media that was distributed on 18^th July, 2008 should be promoted in a high degree for serious implementation.  The guideline must be diverted to be an Order, if not a Reminder or Announcement.  All media are crucial for providing public with accurate information, they should be closely monitored by NEC and all stakeholders.  The state media must be a good example for private media; they should not favor any specific party or powerful candidates.   It is important to impose a clear punishment from the pre to post election period to the biased media and demand professional performance from reporters and journalists.

For further information about ANFREL observation mission, please contact
Ms. Somsri Hananuntasuk – Executive Director,  Phone No in Cambodia:  099378802