November 07, 2007Following the publication of the article titled "SRP To Submit Draft Law Limiting PM to 1 Term" (The Cambodia Daily, Monday, page 23), I would like to make the following comments:
1. The limit of two terms for Prime Minister was approved by the 3rd Ordinary Congress of the Sam Rainsy Party on 28-29 March 2003 as part of our political platform entitled “100 Measures to be Implemented by a Sam Rainsy Party Government” (Measure 12: Limiting a mandate for file Office of Prime Minister to a maximum of two terms, or 10 years under any circumstances).
So the decision to discuss in the next days, a possible furthering of this measure has nothing to do with "months of criticism" by whomever as the article says. On the contrary, it is consistent with debates that my colleagues have been having for many years, and as early as the Party inception in November 1995. I was among the ones who advocated one-term limit, some were against any limit at all, others were in favor of three terms. In March 2003, the majority decided for a two-term limit. In November 2007, we may decide for a one-term limit.
2. The Party internal reform was debated from August to December 2004 and the final decision announced to the Party network at a meeting held at World Vision on 10 December 2004. We started the internal reform process years ago.
3. There is a huge difference between the mandates of the head of the executive branch and the head of a political party. The former very legitimately exerts State power, whether financial, economic, administrative, military, police, with the danger that he cannot resist the temptation to either abuse his power or stay forever in power.
We need to limit this danger, by institutionalizing checks and balances such as separation of powers, independent judiciary, parliamentary oversight, role of the opposition, etc—and limit terms.
The head of a political party has none of the powers of a government head. He does not spend tax payers' money, has no armed forces, no right to dispose of national riches, no possibility to make decisions with long-term consequences. He does not receive any salary paid out of public funds nor can he use State means to reach his goals.
On the contrary, he uses his and other volunteers' own funds, time and means to voluntarily engage in an activity aimed at changing the way his society is ruled: by virtue of which principle should he be limited to pursue such an activity?
All of us in the Sam Rainsy Party are volunteers who share the same vision of a new society founded on social justice, rule of law and good governance. If they are not satisfied with their leaders, nobody can force them to remain under these leaders and continue to donate their time, money, efforts. Whereas a Cambodian who is not happy with his prime minister must remain under his rule, at least up until the end of his term, hence the need for term limit.
4. Amalgamating the organizational principles of a State with those of a grouping formed by the free and voluntary acceptance of private rules shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental rudiments of democracy.
Tioulong Saumura
SRP Leader of Banteay Meanchey Province
1. The limit of two terms for Prime Minister was approved by the 3rd Ordinary Congress of the Sam Rainsy Party on 28-29 March 2003 as part of our political platform entitled “100 Measures to be Implemented by a Sam Rainsy Party Government” (Measure 12: Limiting a mandate for file Office of Prime Minister to a maximum of two terms, or 10 years under any circumstances).
So the decision to discuss in the next days, a possible furthering of this measure has nothing to do with "months of criticism" by whomever as the article says. On the contrary, it is consistent with debates that my colleagues have been having for many years, and as early as the Party inception in November 1995. I was among the ones who advocated one-term limit, some were against any limit at all, others were in favor of three terms. In March 2003, the majority decided for a two-term limit. In November 2007, we may decide for a one-term limit.
2. The Party internal reform was debated from August to December 2004 and the final decision announced to the Party network at a meeting held at World Vision on 10 December 2004. We started the internal reform process years ago.
3. There is a huge difference between the mandates of the head of the executive branch and the head of a political party. The former very legitimately exerts State power, whether financial, economic, administrative, military, police, with the danger that he cannot resist the temptation to either abuse his power or stay forever in power.
We need to limit this danger, by institutionalizing checks and balances such as separation of powers, independent judiciary, parliamentary oversight, role of the opposition, etc—and limit terms.
The head of a political party has none of the powers of a government head. He does not spend tax payers' money, has no armed forces, no right to dispose of national riches, no possibility to make decisions with long-term consequences. He does not receive any salary paid out of public funds nor can he use State means to reach his goals.
On the contrary, he uses his and other volunteers' own funds, time and means to voluntarily engage in an activity aimed at changing the way his society is ruled: by virtue of which principle should he be limited to pursue such an activity?
All of us in the Sam Rainsy Party are volunteers who share the same vision of a new society founded on social justice, rule of law and good governance. If they are not satisfied with their leaders, nobody can force them to remain under these leaders and continue to donate their time, money, efforts. Whereas a Cambodian who is not happy with his prime minister must remain under his rule, at least up until the end of his term, hence the need for term limit.
4. Amalgamating the organizational principles of a State with those of a grouping formed by the free and voluntary acceptance of private rules shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental rudiments of democracy.
Tioulong Saumura
SRP Leader of Banteay Meanchey Province
