Kep Chuktema did not make the final cut, critics blamed his forced eviction policy

Tuesday, December 26, 2006
City Hall Fails To Win World's Best Mayor Award

By Erik Wasson
THE CAMBODIA DAILY

Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema, who was one of 50 finalists for the World Mayor Award given annually by the London-based Internet magazine City Mayors, failed to capture the 2006 prize. John So, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Australia, was elected the world's best mayor on Dec 4, according to the magazine. The top 10 mayors had received more than 2,500 votes from the public and were subsequently rated by City Mayors' experts. Tann van Hove, the editor of City Mayors, said in July that Kep Chuktema in the initial rounds had been one of the "most popular city leaders in Asia." There were some criticisms sent to the magazine, however, especially concerning the mass evictions from the Tonle Bassac commune in May and June, he said. Kep Chuktema could not be reached for comment Monday. In July, Kep Chuktema said he was honored to be on the list of finalists for the world's best mayor, and dismissed criticism about his forced eviction policy.