Release of Final Assessment and Report
On
the 2008 National Assembly Elections
On
the 2008 National Assembly Elections
Phnom Penh, October 20, 2008 - The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL) is pleased to release its final assessment and report on the 2008 National Assembly (NA) elections. This report includes findings, overall assessment and recommendations, as a compilation of COMFREL’s reports and statements published prior to the election campaign, during polling and immediately post-election, as well as an analysis of the election results. As with previous reports, analysis and recommendations seek to advance the debate on the reform and promotion of free and fair elections in Cambodia. Please find attached herewith the full report or check COMFREL's website at www.comfrel.org.
The report finds that, in terms of the general election environment, there was an improved and more politically secure climate this year in comparison with the 2003 National Assembly elections, including a relative improvement in media access; more active political party campaign activities; a decrease in the number of irregularities regarding technical admin istration and complaints inside the polling and counting stations; a reduction in the number of rejections of complaints regarding the election process, in particular during the election campaign period; improved technical election admin istration/performance; and increased knowledge and understanding of voter rights and responsibilities and democracy.
However, Cambodia in 2008 continued to experience a political environment not fully conducive to truly free and fair elections. There were some cases of violence in the days before the elections, related particularly to intimidation to limit political participation and freedom of expression. Voters were still subject to pressures preventing them from making a choice, either according to their conscience or on the basis of proper information. There is persistent fear at every level of society of retribution from leaders, who can use their power to affect personal and family life. Insufficient efforts have been made to eliminate this factor from the Cambodian election scenario. In comparison with previous elections, some issues worsened, such as an increase in the number of civil servants, state authorities and armed forces personnel showing active participation in support of the campaign and networks strengthening the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP); an increased number of voters facing obstructions and complicated procedures during registration, voter list clean-up and the polling period; irregularities regarding the issuing of Form 1018; and problems surrounding candidate registration.
Based on the findings on the 2008 NA elections and other key developments in recent years, the prospects are risky with regard to Cambodia’s progress towards democracy. Democratic and efficient governance depends on essential checks and balances – an effective opposition. These are unlikely to emerge in Cambodia with “Winner Takes All” control of state institutions from 98% of 13,755 village chiefs to all the NA’s commission chairs/deputy chairs increasing towards single-party rule. The constituency to elect Senate members consists of National Assembly and commune council members – with CPP members now controlling 73% of the NA and 70% of commune councils, the outcome is predictable. As part of decentralization reform to introduce provincial and district councils, a new “Organic Law” proposes to use a similar constituency. COMFREL will continue to advocate for direct elections by the public and to allow individuals to stand, not just party-approved lists, so that a better modern democracy can emerge.
For more information, please contact:
Tel: (+855) 12 942 017 / 845 091 or (+855) 23 884 150
The report finds that, in terms of the general election environment, there was an improved and more politically secure climate this year in comparison with the 2003 National Assembly elections, including a relative improvement in media access; more active political party campaign activities; a decrease in the number of irregularities regarding technical admin istration and complaints inside the polling and counting stations; a reduction in the number of rejections of complaints regarding the election process, in particular during the election campaign period; improved technical election admin istration/performance; and increased knowledge and understanding of voter rights and responsibilities and democracy.
However, Cambodia in 2008 continued to experience a political environment not fully conducive to truly free and fair elections. There were some cases of violence in the days before the elections, related particularly to intimidation to limit political participation and freedom of expression. Voters were still subject to pressures preventing them from making a choice, either according to their conscience or on the basis of proper information. There is persistent fear at every level of society of retribution from leaders, who can use their power to affect personal and family life. Insufficient efforts have been made to eliminate this factor from the Cambodian election scenario. In comparison with previous elections, some issues worsened, such as an increase in the number of civil servants, state authorities and armed forces personnel showing active participation in support of the campaign and networks strengthening the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP); an increased number of voters facing obstructions and complicated procedures during registration, voter list clean-up and the polling period; irregularities regarding the issuing of Form 1018; and problems surrounding candidate registration.
Based on the findings on the 2008 NA elections and other key developments in recent years, the prospects are risky with regard to Cambodia’s progress towards democracy. Democratic and efficient governance depends on essential checks and balances – an effective opposition. These are unlikely to emerge in Cambodia with “Winner Takes All” control of state institutions from 98% of 13,755 village chiefs to all the NA’s commission chairs/deputy chairs increasing towards single-party rule. The constituency to elect Senate members consists of National Assembly and commune council members – with CPP members now controlling 73% of the NA and 70% of commune councils, the outcome is predictable. As part of decentralization reform to introduce provincial and district councils, a new “Organic Law” proposes to use a similar constituency. COMFREL will continue to advocate for direct elections by the public and to allow individuals to stand, not just party-approved lists, so that a better modern democracy can emerge.
For more information, please contact:
Tel: (+855) 12 942 017 / 845 091 or (+855) 23 884 150
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