16 Feb 2008By Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by KI-Media
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy urged the International community to send as many foreign observers to Cambodia as it can, in order to ensure a free and fair election in July 2008.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy told RFA that: “I want to see a lot of observers coming, and that they stay here for a long time, not just for a few days and then they all take off. They must come to follow up on the preparation of the election, to follow up on the vote counting, to follow up on the resolution of complaints, and they should come from now on to observe the voters lists, some of the voters were removed from the voter lists.”
This call came at a time when it is learned that only 27 International observers asked the NEC to come to observe the upcoming election.
Tep Nytha, NEC secretary-general, said in reaction to Sam Rainsy’s call that: “We think that, for the preparation of the election, the majority (of the observers) come when the election is close, and more importantly, the number of international observers increased during near the election period.”
Tep Nyhta indicated that, up to now, 3,600 national observers belonging to 15 organizations, and 27 international observers from the NDI and the US embassy in Cambodia, have asked the NEC to observe the upcoming election.
He added that the European Union informed the NEC that it plans to send in a group of observers also, but the NEC did not receive the official request yet.
Besides that, Tep Nytha indicated that there are 44 political parties listed by the Ministry of Interior, and the NEC plans to open the official registration of parties on its list between 28 April and 12 May 2008.
Hang Puthea, NICFEC director, said that his group plans to put to work 120 long-term national observers, and 7,000 short-term observers.
Kul Panha, Comfrel director, indicated that he will put to work 201 long-term national observers, and between 6,500 to 7,000 short-term observers.
Kul Panha said: “We still have problem also, we are still concerned that the atmosphere of the election could be marred by violence, and that a climate of fear may take place, as well as the vote buying.”
The NEC plans to spend a total amount of $17 million to prepare the election which will take place on 27 July 2008. High ranking NEC officials indicated also that it is till short of $4 million to reach the $17 million amount it requires.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy told RFA that: “I want to see a lot of observers coming, and that they stay here for a long time, not just for a few days and then they all take off. They must come to follow up on the preparation of the election, to follow up on the vote counting, to follow up on the resolution of complaints, and they should come from now on to observe the voters lists, some of the voters were removed from the voter lists.”
This call came at a time when it is learned that only 27 International observers asked the NEC to come to observe the upcoming election.
Tep Nytha, NEC secretary-general, said in reaction to Sam Rainsy’s call that: “We think that, for the preparation of the election, the majority (of the observers) come when the election is close, and more importantly, the number of international observers increased during near the election period.”
Tep Nyhta indicated that, up to now, 3,600 national observers belonging to 15 organizations, and 27 international observers from the NDI and the US embassy in Cambodia, have asked the NEC to observe the upcoming election.
He added that the European Union informed the NEC that it plans to send in a group of observers also, but the NEC did not receive the official request yet.
Besides that, Tep Nytha indicated that there are 44 political parties listed by the Ministry of Interior, and the NEC plans to open the official registration of parties on its list between 28 April and 12 May 2008.
Hang Puthea, NICFEC director, said that his group plans to put to work 120 long-term national observers, and 7,000 short-term observers.
Kul Panha, Comfrel director, indicated that he will put to work 201 long-term national observers, and between 6,500 to 7,000 short-term observers.
Kul Panha said: “We still have problem also, we are still concerned that the atmosphere of the election could be marred by violence, and that a climate of fear may take place, as well as the vote buying.”
The NEC plans to spend a total amount of $17 million to prepare the election which will take place on 27 July 2008. High ranking NEC officials indicated also that it is till short of $4 million to reach the $17 million amount it requires.
2 comments:
"Romneiy yeani akranhearni yathanak romakti chhunnau vitak reator romésyonnti noté kamak kakvé linor"
"Delightful are the forests where worldlines find no pleasure.There the passionless will find delight,for they seek no sensual pleasures"
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http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=5B5GquTEzHI&feature=related
+ Opposition leader Sam Rainsy told RFA that: “I want to see a lot of observers coming, and that they stay here for a long time, not just for a few days and then they all take off".
The fact is most International Observers,during the past election 1998 and 2003 respectively, were in the country days long before the election was taken place and they left after the primary result posted and once they handed reported to their respected Ambassador in the host country. And at the mean time, individual diplomat and agency in the host country will fulfill their and actively monitor the atmosphere and environment leading up to the election day.
Don't think that all countries that intention to take part in observing the election will send their people in the country for month or weeks ahead of election date.
+ only 27 International observers asked the NEC to come to observe the upcoming election.
The numbers will be increased as the date line of register draw close.
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