NEC asks NDI to remain neutral

10 July 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The “Know your candidates during their 2008 debate” program organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) was initiated on 08 July, and it will continue on until 24 July 2008. This program will be organized in 10 major provinces in Cambodia and in Phnom Penh city, this debate will allow voters to compare the political programs presented by the various parties, and it will allow them to make the proper decision on the party they will choose in the upcoming election. In seeing the importance and relevance of this program, the National Election Committee (NEC) asked NDI to continue to remain neutral and independent, even though NDI already plans to abide by the NEC directives. Sokolak Tipor, NEC deputy secretary-general, said that this program is a good opportunity for the candidates to address directly to the voters about their party’s political program so that voters can make their judgment prior to the upcoming election. However, he asked that the NDI maintains its neutrality during its moderation of the various topics discussed during the program.