Monday, March 12, 2007

SRP Mu Sochua challenges gov't to provide fair and equal debates in next year general election

Phnom Penh, March 12, 2007

SRP Calls for Debate to Further Strengthen Culture of Democracy

As the candidates for the April 1 commune elections prepare for upcoming debates, the Sam Rainsy Party is looking ahead and pressing for public, non-violent exchange in the national elections.

Mu Sochua, the Secretary General of the Sam Rainsy Party, issued a challenge to the government to provide fair and equal debates in the general election next year.

This would be an important step towards leveling the playing field in national politics. In an address this morning to commune candidates from different parties, Mu Sochua spoke in support of the current debates and the training provided to candidates. But she emphasized that for the SRP, this is not enough; there is still a long way to go in cleaning up the electoral process.

“We want to see leadership of a nation as well as local leadership become a product of democracy,” explained Mu Sochua, “The Sam Rainsy Party is firmly convinced we all want democracy... those who have not yet decided which candidate will receive their vote must be allowed to hear candidates on an equal basis.”

The announcement came during the opening remarks of the Commune Council Debate Training held by the National Democratic Institute with the support of USAID. Commune council candidates are trained in public speaking and how to engage in mutually respectful debate.

“We must send a good signal to the next generation,” Mu Sochua firmly stated.

The SRP has been an active voice for opening up the electoral process, citing past intimidation and unequal access to media and legal protection as obstacles to free and fair elections. In addition, the SRP tracks the thousands of voters who have been illegally turned away at the polls and denied their right to vote.

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1 comment:

Khmer Young said...

“We must send a good signal to the next generation,” Mu Sochua firmly stated.

This is great SPR...but it must be concise and clear...easy to make our less education citizens to understand...this is important..

One important thing to keep a touching speech is repeatedly telling people that "if we don't change the leader, our country will succeed nothing..."

Bravo SRP!