29 May 2008
By Ky Soklim
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Tola Ek
A survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI), two months ahead of the general election indicated the intention of Cambodian voters. These results were not made available to the public, but were provided to various parties.
Prime minister Hun Sen said that the results were provided to Sok An, his vice-prime minister, “in the presence of USAID representatives.” The CPP claimed that 50% of the people surveyed indicated that they would “surely vote” for him, where 25% had answered “may vote” for the CPP.
On the Sam Rainsy Party side, Kong Korm, the deputy president of the party, reported that, according to the IRI, 19% of Cambodians replied they would “surely vote” for the SRP, and 39% “may vote” for the SRP. He also showed his optimism by saying: “From now until the election, more than 50% will vote for us.”
The actual results will be found out on 27 July.
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KI-Media Note: On Thursday, The Mekong Times reported: “Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday erroneously claimed the organization had predicted a resounding victory for his Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). ‘IRI said that about 50 percent of surveyed people will vote for the CPP and 25 percent may vote for the CPP,’ he said yesterday at a meeting of the Cambodian Development Council, adding that from the 25 percent he claims are undecided he hopes to claim some 10 percent, meaning his party would easily win the election.”
Prime minister Hun Sen said that the results were provided to Sok An, his vice-prime minister, “in the presence of USAID representatives.” The CPP claimed that 50% of the people surveyed indicated that they would “surely vote” for him, where 25% had answered “may vote” for the CPP.
On the Sam Rainsy Party side, Kong Korm, the deputy president of the party, reported that, according to the IRI, 19% of Cambodians replied they would “surely vote” for the SRP, and 39% “may vote” for the SRP. He also showed his optimism by saying: “From now until the election, more than 50% will vote for us.”
The actual results will be found out on 27 July.
--------
KI-Media Note: On Thursday, The Mekong Times reported: “Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday erroneously claimed the organization had predicted a resounding victory for his Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). ‘IRI said that about 50 percent of surveyed people will vote for the CPP and 25 percent may vote for the CPP,’ he said yesterday at a meeting of the Cambodian Development Council, adding that from the 25 percent he claims are undecided he hopes to claim some 10 percent, meaning his party would easily win the election.”
