INTERNATIONAL WATCH: Corio MP Richard Marles led an Australian delegation observing the recent Cambodian election.August 1st, 2008
Danny Lannen
Geelong Advertiser (Australia)
MEMBER for Corio Richard Marles has returned from observing Cambodian general elections confident democracy is moving forward.
Mr Marles said troubling issues remained in the country 15 years on from its first elections but people's pride in the democratic process was clear.
"It's fair to say Cambodia still has a way to go to becoming a fully democratic country," Mr Marles said.
"But having said that, from an optimistic point of view and Australia's point of view, which is important given its investment in the country, they're making progress."
Mr Marles led an Australian delegation including MPs Mark Coulton, Nola Marino and Senator Rachel Siewert.
They were part of a 17,000-strong team of local and international people who monitored the election, won by Prime Minister Hun Sen with a sweeping majority.
International observers said the election process fell short of international standards.
Mr Marles said the Australian Government had pointed to areas of concern.
A journalist who wrote a scathing comment about Hun Sen was murdered a few days later along with his son and, in a separate incident, a newspaper editor was jailed for comment.
"I guess the extent of the use or support of the public service for the ruling party was also a concern, and they are concerns Australia has raised with the Cambodian Government," Mr Marles said.
He said he found the visit emotionally moving as the group spent time at Cambodia's killing fields and noted that trials of Khmer Rouge leaders were still under way.
Mr Marles said troubling issues remained in the country 15 years on from its first elections but people's pride in the democratic process was clear.
"It's fair to say Cambodia still has a way to go to becoming a fully democratic country," Mr Marles said.
"But having said that, from an optimistic point of view and Australia's point of view, which is important given its investment in the country, they're making progress."
Mr Marles led an Australian delegation including MPs Mark Coulton, Nola Marino and Senator Rachel Siewert.
They were part of a 17,000-strong team of local and international people who monitored the election, won by Prime Minister Hun Sen with a sweeping majority.
International observers said the election process fell short of international standards.
Mr Marles said the Australian Government had pointed to areas of concern.
A journalist who wrote a scathing comment about Hun Sen was murdered a few days later along with his son and, in a separate incident, a newspaper editor was jailed for comment.
"I guess the extent of the use or support of the public service for the ruling party was also a concern, and they are concerns Australia has raised with the Cambodian Government," Mr Marles said.
He said he found the visit emotionally moving as the group spent time at Cambodia's killing fields and noted that trials of Khmer Rouge leaders were still under way.
6 comments:
Thanks Mr. Marles and Australian Delegation for taking your valuable time and efforts to witness our 7/27/08 Cambodian election.
I was once having a great opportunity to train with Royal Australian Air Force as a cambodian pilot at Point Cook No. 1 Flying school, Victoria in 1972
It was not a perfect election but certainly an improvement from the last one.
Why Mr.Bush win the Election for the second terms? and Why CPP win again,Please think!!!
It's time to build a strong Foundation of our Nation,Lets the light shine every Corner of our land and Let's show the World that the Kingdom of Cambodia has magic.
Do you kno NASA Spacecraft Confirms Water on Mars?,Maybe Saturn too;Not confirm yet.
When I was small and even Now I alway dream of space.
We are Khmer alway be kindness to other Nations,God alway bring our Nation back to life.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is depend on everyone of us(Khmer).
Thank you!!!...May God bless all Nations.
I call all foreign investors and international community to boycott and divestment in Cambodia until human rights and international law are respected.
9:50 AM
We do not know what the fuck are you trying to get at? Or you're just being fucking delutional.
I hope you're not a politician. However, it's good to be retarded at times.
Everyone know the this election is a fraud including the CPP. Sure the election was better than before because the CPP has already new they will win, because they had it all set up.
12:06Pm,He's not delutional and he's not politician either.
1.He's know why CPP win the election.
2.He's know why Mr.Bush win the Election for the second term.
3.He's know not easy to maintain the whole Country,Maybe only your family.
4.He's know take all party to rebuild our Country and maintain it.
5.If you don't understand about the space(other planet),Don't curse just ask?..Go to www.aol.com
6.Don't think you know everything.
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