By Kim Pov Sottan
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
High-ranking SRP official indicated on Thursday that the opposition will send a complaint to the National Assembly to demand for the National Election Committee (NEC) to clarify in front of the parliament about the fact that about 2.5 million voters did not cast their ballots in the recent election.
Son Chhay, SRP MP, accuses the NEC of colluding with the ruling party so that up to 20% of those who did not cast their ballots were in fact being prevented from voting when it was learnt that those people were not leaning towards the CPP. Son Chhay said that this action is illegal, and he demanded the NEC to clarify this issue.
Son Chhay said: “The main point is we want to tell the NEC which is charged with facilitating the voting process for Cambodian citizens, but was instead doing the opposite: those who voted for the ruling party could vote, but those who do not vote for the ruling party, they must face difficulties to try to vote, they are desperate about the situation. A number of us, parliamentarians, wrote a letter asking for Mr. Im Suosdey, the president of the NEC, and Mr. Tep Nytha, the NEC secretary-general, to come to the parliament floor soon to clarify about these irregularities.”
Khieu Kanharith, CPP spokesman, rejects this accusation by saying that it is normal for people who did not want to vote to not show up at the polling stations. He added that the CPP left the NEC to work independently, and that the NEC also includes members who belong to the opposition party, as well as officials from countries which are partner in the development of Cambodia.
Khieu Kanharith said: “First, the NEC is participated by all political parties. Second, the representatives of countries which are partner in the development [of Cambodia] have their own experts in there (NEC). As I said, it’s better for Sam Rainsy not to accuse the NEC because his party representatives are included in there (NEC) also.”
The NEC recently announced that only 5.2 million people voted among the 8 million total registered voters.
Comfrel officials blame this issue on the complicated system set up by the NEC which prevented people from voting.
The NEC said that this situation is normal, because even in other countries, not all 100% of the voters actually cast their ballots, however, [he recognized that] there are some small technical problems.
Son Chhay, SRP MP, accuses the NEC of colluding with the ruling party so that up to 20% of those who did not cast their ballots were in fact being prevented from voting when it was learnt that those people were not leaning towards the CPP. Son Chhay said that this action is illegal, and he demanded the NEC to clarify this issue.
Son Chhay said: “The main point is we want to tell the NEC which is charged with facilitating the voting process for Cambodian citizens, but was instead doing the opposite: those who voted for the ruling party could vote, but those who do not vote for the ruling party, they must face difficulties to try to vote, they are desperate about the situation. A number of us, parliamentarians, wrote a letter asking for Mr. Im Suosdey, the president of the NEC, and Mr. Tep Nytha, the NEC secretary-general, to come to the parliament floor soon to clarify about these irregularities.”
Khieu Kanharith, CPP spokesman, rejects this accusation by saying that it is normal for people who did not want to vote to not show up at the polling stations. He added that the CPP left the NEC to work independently, and that the NEC also includes members who belong to the opposition party, as well as officials from countries which are partner in the development of Cambodia.
Khieu Kanharith said: “First, the NEC is participated by all political parties. Second, the representatives of countries which are partner in the development [of Cambodia] have their own experts in there (NEC). As I said, it’s better for Sam Rainsy not to accuse the NEC because his party representatives are included in there (NEC) also.”
The NEC recently announced that only 5.2 million people voted among the 8 million total registered voters.
Comfrel officials blame this issue on the complicated system set up by the NEC which prevented people from voting.
The NEC said that this situation is normal, because even in other countries, not all 100% of the voters actually cast their ballots, however, [he recognized that] there are some small technical problems.
5 comments:
Youcan't compare to other countrie swhere voting system is advanced and the people are informed and educated. In cambodia case, the voting system should be made as simple as possible, but also to prevent fraud as the CPP is prone to committ if thing doesn't appear to go their way.
I believe that the opposition should help the people who have been denied from voting to complain to international human right and UN instead of parliament outnumbered by CPP. They just laught at you. They call you all IDIOT !!
This is politician act. But SRP should conserve the energy and try to find out why SRP has lost 3 communes in Phnom Penh. The voters turn out in Phnom Penh is only 59% compare to average of 70%. Why? is that because of CPP prevent them from voting? I doubt that. CPP may collude with NEC to prevent the people from voting in the country side but in Phnom Penh have to be other reasons.
how the heck would they know out 2.5 people randomly that theyre not going to vote for CPP? Are the voters indiscreet?
If you got to vote, don't tell anyone who you're voting for. Cast privately, so how the heck would they know who you would have to vote for.
and who are these countries that are "in development" with Cambodia that are also working in the NEC?
I hope its not Vietnam!
It is not realistic to prevent
2.5 millions from voting, a few
thousands yes. Do you know what
2.5 millions population is like?
On the other hand, It is not
uncommon for losers to find a good
excuses to answer to their
supporters. That way, they will
continued to get the money from
Khmer oversea; otherwise, they
will be asked to step down, and
have someone else to challenge the
CPP. Do you think that is what Sam
Rainsy et Al. want?
Post a Comment