Press Statement: Decision of the National Election Committee to Announce Preliminary Election Results Prior to Independent Investigation

Phnom Penh – 12 August 2013

We, the members of the Situation Room on Cambodia’s National Election would like to express our extreme disappointment with the decision of the National Election Committee (NEC) to announce the preliminary election results prior to a transparent and independent investigation into widespread irregularities, and prior to verification of discrepancies between election results offered by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

This decision flies in the face progress in negotiations between these parties. This attitude does nothing but increase existing tension amongst Cambodia’s disenfranchised voters. During such a tense period the announcement will obviously invite reaction and is potentially destabilizing for the nation.

We remind the National Election Committee of the sentiments of the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia who recognizes that "if the electoral process is unable to command the trust and confidence of the electorate, the very foundation of the Cambodian political and constitutional architecture embodied in the Paris Peace Agreements will be shaken and the country may run the risk of a return to violence."

The consequences of such would lie with the NEC and will be noted in history.

For more information, please contact:

1.     Mr. Thun Saray          Board Director of Comfrel                         016 440 044

2.     Mr. Sok Samoeun     Chairman of CHRAC                                           012 901 199

3.     Mr. Hang Puthea       Executive Director of NICFEC                   012 959 666

4.     Mr. Preap Kol          Executive Director of TI Cambodia                      012 877 833

5.     Mr. Him Yun             Coordinator of CISA                                            012 947 022

6.     Mrs. Ros Sopheap    Executive Director of GAD/C                              012 627 857

7.     Mr. Chhit Sam Ath   Executive Director of NGO Forum                       012 928 585

8.     Mr. Yeng Virak         Executive Director of CLEC                       066 777 000

Best regard,

COMFREL



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Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia

Head Office : # 138, Street 122, Sangkat Teuk La ak, Khan Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (20 meters from the eastern fence of National Pediatric Hospital)

P.O.Box 1145, CCC Box 439

Phone : (855-23) 884 150

Fax : (855-23) 883 750

E-mail : comfrel@online.com.kh

Website : www.comfrel.org

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COMFREL Vision :  A democratic society that democratization in particular democratic elections are promoted and qualified to bring benefits to people.