SRP Proposes Measures to Ensure Full and Fair Voting Process
In order to make the forthcoming commune elections more effective, the Sam Rainsy Party proposes four points to the NEC:
(1) According to the March 9 NEC report, the distribution of voter’s information sheets in some provinces remains worryingly low. If we consider 75% distribution to be a reasonable number, there are at least eight provinces in which the distribution is low: Banteay Meanchey (72.62%), Battambang (69.30%), Koh Kong (60.71%), Phnom Penh (60.61%), Preah Vihear (65.26%), Rattanakiri (76.62%), Sihanoukville (70.85%), and Pailin (70.15%). The SRP remains concerned that people who have not obtained the voter information sheets will miss the chance to vote. Therefore, the SRP proposes that the NEC set up a working group composed of Commune Council members, NGO representatives and political party representatives. This working group would further distribute these voter information sheets until one day before the voting day.
(2) Every political party must be guaranteed the full 15 days to campaign. Some CECs are creating plans for political parties to campaign on alternate days. This contradicts NEC instructions to allow each party full use of the 15-day period.
(3) The SRP suggests that NEC issue instructions to the Commune Council to simplify the procedure and reduce the expenses involved in filing form 1018. In this regard, the SRP proposes that the required presence of two witnesses to testify to the application and affixing of thumb-print be allowed to take place in front of the village chief instead of a Commune Council member. Applicants would then take the form to be signed by the commune chief without requiring witnesses to join.
(4) NEC must print and disseminate Chapter 16 of the Commune Council Elections Procedure, ordering the punishment of any individual, including CEC and other officials in the voting bureau, who violate the law on Commune Council elections and NEC instructions and procedures during the campaign period and on voting day.
The SRP regards these proposals as essential for a transparent and effective Commune Council election.
SRP Secretariat
For detailed information contact: 012 831 040
(1) According to the March 9 NEC report, the distribution of voter’s information sheets in some provinces remains worryingly low. If we consider 75% distribution to be a reasonable number, there are at least eight provinces in which the distribution is low: Banteay Meanchey (72.62%), Battambang (69.30%), Koh Kong (60.71%), Phnom Penh (60.61%), Preah Vihear (65.26%), Rattanakiri (76.62%), Sihanoukville (70.85%), and Pailin (70.15%). The SRP remains concerned that people who have not obtained the voter information sheets will miss the chance to vote. Therefore, the SRP proposes that the NEC set up a working group composed of Commune Council members, NGO representatives and political party representatives. This working group would further distribute these voter information sheets until one day before the voting day.
(2) Every political party must be guaranteed the full 15 days to campaign. Some CECs are creating plans for political parties to campaign on alternate days. This contradicts NEC instructions to allow each party full use of the 15-day period.
(3) The SRP suggests that NEC issue instructions to the Commune Council to simplify the procedure and reduce the expenses involved in filing form 1018. In this regard, the SRP proposes that the required presence of two witnesses to testify to the application and affixing of thumb-print be allowed to take place in front of the village chief instead of a Commune Council member. Applicants would then take the form to be signed by the commune chief without requiring witnesses to join.
(4) NEC must print and disseminate Chapter 16 of the Commune Council Elections Procedure, ordering the punishment of any individual, including CEC and other officials in the voting bureau, who violate the law on Commune Council elections and NEC instructions and procedures during the campaign period and on voting day.
The SRP regards these proposals as essential for a transparent and effective Commune Council election.
SRP Secretariat
For detailed information contact: 012 831 040
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