Showing posts with label 2009 provincial and district election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 provincial and district election. Show all posts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sam Rainsy's meeting with commune councilors and candidates in Siem Reap province
May 7, 2009 : Opposition leader Sam Rainsy met with commune councilors and candidates in Siem Reap province in preparation for provincial / district council election
SRP commune councilors in Kg Cham province complaint about attempt vote buying by the CPP
May 13, 2009 : Opposition leader Sam Rainsy met with commune councilors and candidates in Kampong Cham province in preparation for provincial / district council election. During the meeting, several SRP commune councilors complained about attempt vote buying by the CPP.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Biased NEC dismisses CPP vote-buying ... 'cause no money had changed hands
NEC Dismisses Vote-Buying as Campaign Ends
By VOA Khmer reporters
Original report from Phnom Penh
15 May 2009
By VOA Khmer reporters
Original report from Phnom Penh
15 May 2009
The Phnom Penh Election Committee said Friday it would not pursue allegations of vote-buying by the ruling party, as campaigning ended for district- and provincial-level council elections.
Two commune councilors of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party say they were offered bribes of up to $1,000 to vote for two members of the Cambodian People’s Party, Ly Raman and Leng Phaly, in Sunday’s election.
The committee said it found no evidence money had changed hands and it was dropping the case.
Ly Nhok, a representative for the accused, called the decision “just.”
“This decision is very fair following the procedures and provides much justice for my clients, because the hearings were made in conformity with the law,” he said. “My clients did not commit vote-buying at all, and the plaintiffs had no clear evidence.”
Ly Sovichea, an attorney for the Sam Rainsy Party’s Var Sam and Bun Kheth, said the election committee had not considered the evidence and statements of witnesses. He would appeal to the National Election Committee, he said.
The dismissal came at the end of a 15-day council election campaign period, where three parties hope to earn more than 3,000 seats in provincial, municipal and district councils.
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party has around 9,000 commune council voters; the opposition Sam Rainsy Party has more than 2,000; and the party of Prince Norodom Ranariddh has around 400.
“Apart from the 2,660 commune council members from the Sam Rainsy Party, I have met with commune council members from other parties who told me they supported my party’s stand in helping the Cambodian people,” opposition leader Sam Rainsy said. “So they will support Sam Rainsy although they do not show up in public.”
Cheam Yiep, a CPP lawmaker, said the result of the election was obvious, given his party’s overwhelming majority.
Sout Dina, spokesman for the Norodom Ranariddh Party, said he felt optimistic about the result of the election.
“We can’t predict the result, as the voters are free to choose who they like,” he said.
Tep Nitha, secretary general for the National Election Committee, said the four parties campaigned only within their headquarters. No violence occurred during the election campaign, he said.
Two commune councilors of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party say they were offered bribes of up to $1,000 to vote for two members of the Cambodian People’s Party, Ly Raman and Leng Phaly, in Sunday’s election.
The committee said it found no evidence money had changed hands and it was dropping the case.
Ly Nhok, a representative for the accused, called the decision “just.”
“This decision is very fair following the procedures and provides much justice for my clients, because the hearings were made in conformity with the law,” he said. “My clients did not commit vote-buying at all, and the plaintiffs had no clear evidence.”
Ly Sovichea, an attorney for the Sam Rainsy Party’s Var Sam and Bun Kheth, said the election committee had not considered the evidence and statements of witnesses. He would appeal to the National Election Committee, he said.
The dismissal came at the end of a 15-day council election campaign period, where three parties hope to earn more than 3,000 seats in provincial, municipal and district councils.
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party has around 9,000 commune council voters; the opposition Sam Rainsy Party has more than 2,000; and the party of Prince Norodom Ranariddh has around 400.
“Apart from the 2,660 commune council members from the Sam Rainsy Party, I have met with commune council members from other parties who told me they supported my party’s stand in helping the Cambodian people,” opposition leader Sam Rainsy said. “So they will support Sam Rainsy although they do not show up in public.”
Cheam Yiep, a CPP lawmaker, said the result of the election was obvious, given his party’s overwhelming majority.
Sout Dina, spokesman for the Norodom Ranariddh Party, said he felt optimistic about the result of the election.
“We can’t predict the result, as the voters are free to choose who they like,” he said.
Tep Nitha, secretary general for the National Election Committee, said the four parties campaigned only within their headquarters. No violence occurred during the election campaign, he said.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Polls expected to be muted
A Sam Rainsy Party commune councilor speaks at party headquarters Thursday about allegations of CPP vote buying. (Photo by: CHRISTOPHER SHAY)Friday, 15 May 2009
Written by VONG SOKHENG and SEBASTIAN STRANGIO
The Phnom Penh Post
Vote-buying claims further diminish hope for council elections
OBSERVERS are predicting few surprises when Cambodia's 11,353 commune councilors go to the polls to elect the country's first district, provincial and municipal councils Sunday.
But election monitors and government officials remain divided on the utility of the "indirect" elections, amid a fresh wave of vote-buying claims by the opposition Sam Rainsy Party.
Two local election monitors - Comfrel and Nicfec - say they will boycott the elections, claiming the results are a foregone conclusion and that the US$1.6 million in administrative costs are not justified.
"We are boycotting because of the election system itself," said Koul Panha, Comfrel's executive director, adding that the number of district and provincial councilors should simply be calculated in proportion to existing commune councils.
Nicfec Executive Director Hang Puthea said the cost of last year's national election, in which around 8 million Cambodians cast their ballots, was around $2.60 per voter, while the May 17 poll will cost around $140.
"We know who will vote for whom, so we don't want to waste more money on this election," he said.
Meanwhile, election officials said preparations for the elections were progressing "smoothly", and that the new councils would advance the government's much-mooted decentralisation and deconcentration program, shifting more decision-making power to the local level.
"This election is very important because [the new] provincial, district and municipal councils will govern within their territory according to the government's policy of promoting democratic development," said Tep Nytha, secretary general of the National Election Committee (NEC).
Koul Panha agreed the presence of opposition parties at the provincial and district level would infuse a fresh political voice into local government, but that this influence and decision-making power would likely by "limited" by the Cambodian People's Party's large majority at the commune level.
The CPP holds 7,993 seats at the commune level, with the Sam Rainsy Party a distant second with 2,660. Funcinpec holds 274, the Norodom Ranariddh Party 425, and the Hang Dara Democratic Movement has just one seat.
Cash for votes?
Despite the prospect of long-term gains, Koul Panha said the elections had created "problems" in the short term, citing fresh opposition allegations the CPP has engaged in vote-buying in an attempt to divide its opponents and snatch a crucial few extra votes.
At a press conference Thursday, the SRP screened a video clip containing testimony from around 40 of its commune councilors who say ruling party officials offered them money to vote against their own party. The cost of a vote, councilors said, was between $500 and $1,000.
Sean Sear, a commune councilor from Phnom Penh's Russey Keo district who was present at the press conference, said Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema had promised to provide him with "a plot of land and money to build a house".
Long Sophal, a councilor from Prampi Makara district, also claimed CPP officials offered to resolve a housing dispute in exchange for his vote.
"I think that when the SRP holds seats on the provincial, district and municipal councils, the CPP will be concerned, [because it] will be difficult for them to take part in corruption and other illegal activities related to natural resources," SRP President Sam Rainsy said.
"The CPP is concerned there will be a decline in its decision making power, and they have therefore used a strategy of buying votes from the SRP."
He said the party would file complaints to the NEC outlining its allegations, including one against Kep Chuktema. The governor could not be reached for comment.
But senior CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap rejected the accusations, saying the party had "never advised" them to buy votes from the opposition.
"We have no money to buy votes, but we have had a clear political strategy to persuade voters, and we hope that commune councilors from other parties will vote for us on Sunday," he said.
He added that the new councils would actually be a boon for the opposition parties, giving them a voice at the local level and a forum for airing new ideas.
Tep Nytha said the NEC had so far received three complaints from the SRP relating to vote buying, and that the Municipal Election Committee was currently conducting investigations.
"During the election campaign each political party has tried to persuade the voters to vote for their party, which is not a problem so long as the promises did not violate the law," he said.
He said any party found guilty of buying votes or breaking other election regulations would be forced to withdraw candidates from consideration in the elections.
OBSERVERS are predicting few surprises when Cambodia's 11,353 commune councilors go to the polls to elect the country's first district, provincial and municipal councils Sunday.
But election monitors and government officials remain divided on the utility of the "indirect" elections, amid a fresh wave of vote-buying claims by the opposition Sam Rainsy Party.
Two local election monitors - Comfrel and Nicfec - say they will boycott the elections, claiming the results are a foregone conclusion and that the US$1.6 million in administrative costs are not justified.
"We are boycotting because of the election system itself," said Koul Panha, Comfrel's executive director, adding that the number of district and provincial councilors should simply be calculated in proportion to existing commune councils.
Nicfec Executive Director Hang Puthea said the cost of last year's national election, in which around 8 million Cambodians cast their ballots, was around $2.60 per voter, while the May 17 poll will cost around $140.
"We know who will vote for whom, so we don't want to waste more money on this election," he said.
Meanwhile, election officials said preparations for the elections were progressing "smoothly", and that the new councils would advance the government's much-mooted decentralisation and deconcentration program, shifting more decision-making power to the local level.
"This election is very important because [the new] provincial, district and municipal councils will govern within their territory according to the government's policy of promoting democratic development," said Tep Nytha, secretary general of the National Election Committee (NEC).
Koul Panha agreed the presence of opposition parties at the provincial and district level would infuse a fresh political voice into local government, but that this influence and decision-making power would likely by "limited" by the Cambodian People's Party's large majority at the commune level.
"WE KNOW WHO WILL VOTE FOR WHOM, SO WE DON’T WANT TO WASTE MONEY ON THIS....""[The opposition] might not have effective power, but they will have a voice and they can access local authorities' planning and decisions," he said.
The CPP holds 7,993 seats at the commune level, with the Sam Rainsy Party a distant second with 2,660. Funcinpec holds 274, the Norodom Ranariddh Party 425, and the Hang Dara Democratic Movement has just one seat.
Cash for votes?
Despite the prospect of long-term gains, Koul Panha said the elections had created "problems" in the short term, citing fresh opposition allegations the CPP has engaged in vote-buying in an attempt to divide its opponents and snatch a crucial few extra votes.
At a press conference Thursday, the SRP screened a video clip containing testimony from around 40 of its commune councilors who say ruling party officials offered them money to vote against their own party. The cost of a vote, councilors said, was between $500 and $1,000.
Sean Sear, a commune councilor from Phnom Penh's Russey Keo district who was present at the press conference, said Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema had promised to provide him with "a plot of land and money to build a house".
Long Sophal, a councilor from Prampi Makara district, also claimed CPP officials offered to resolve a housing dispute in exchange for his vote.
"I think that when the SRP holds seats on the provincial, district and municipal councils, the CPP will be concerned, [because it] will be difficult for them to take part in corruption and other illegal activities related to natural resources," SRP President Sam Rainsy said.
"The CPP is concerned there will be a decline in its decision making power, and they have therefore used a strategy of buying votes from the SRP."
He said the party would file complaints to the NEC outlining its allegations, including one against Kep Chuktema. The governor could not be reached for comment.
But senior CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap rejected the accusations, saying the party had "never advised" them to buy votes from the opposition.
"We have no money to buy votes, but we have had a clear political strategy to persuade voters, and we hope that commune councilors from other parties will vote for us on Sunday," he said.
He added that the new councils would actually be a boon for the opposition parties, giving them a voice at the local level and a forum for airing new ideas.
Tep Nytha said the NEC had so far received three complaints from the SRP relating to vote buying, and that the Municipal Election Committee was currently conducting investigations.
"During the election campaign each political party has tried to persuade the voters to vote for their party, which is not a problem so long as the promises did not violate the law," he said.
He said any party found guilty of buying votes or breaking other election regulations would be forced to withdraw candidates from consideration in the elections.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sam Rainsy met with commune councilors and candidates in Svay Rieng province
May 11, 2009 : Opposition leader Sam Rainsy met with commune councilors and candidates in Svay Rieng province in preparation for provincial / district council election
Opposition Pushes for Hearing on Vote-Buying [by the CPP]
By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
13 May 2009
Original report from Phnom Penh
13 May 2009
The opposition Sam Rainsy Party on Wednesday rejected an offer by the Phnom Penh Election Committee to reconcile its vote-buying complaint against the ruling party without a public hearing.
Commune council members nationwide will vote on May 17 in provincial- and district-level elections that are an attempt to decentralize government.
The Sam Rainsy Party claims that two Cambodian People’s Party members offered its council members Var Sam and Bun Keth between $800 and $1,000 each to vote for the ruling party in upcoming elections.
“I will still continue with the complaint process and request the Phnom Penh Election Committee to open a public hearing for punishing the wrongdoers,” SRP representative Ly Sovichea told VOA Khmer on Wednesday. “We want the Phnom Penh Election Committee to follow the law.”
The CPP members, Ly Raman and Leng Phaly, have denied the allegations, and said they would attend a public hearing if necessary.
Ly Raman, who is an adviser for the Ministry of Cults and Religion, said he would “prepare legal action” if the opposition continued with its complaint.
Leng Phaly, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Planning, said the complainants had “no evidence” and that he had a “right to lobby all commune council members to vote for the CPP during the campaign.”
SRP officials say they have enough evidence of vote-buying to have a public hearing, and the Phnom Penh Election Committee said it would go forward with a hearing if the sides could not reconcile.
Bun Kheth, second deputy chief of Toek Thla commune, in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district said the complaint did not need to be reconciled, but a hearing should be held for “respect of the law and the rights of others.”
Var Sam, commune council member for Phnom Penh Thmei commune, said reconciliation would encourage impunity, and cause “wrongdoers” to “continue to violate the law without worry.”
More than 10,000 commune council members from the Cambodian People’s, Sam Rainsy and Norodom Ranariddh parties will vote for 3,260 seats on May 17.
Commune council members nationwide will vote on May 17 in provincial- and district-level elections that are an attempt to decentralize government.
The Sam Rainsy Party claims that two Cambodian People’s Party members offered its council members Var Sam and Bun Keth between $800 and $1,000 each to vote for the ruling party in upcoming elections.
“I will still continue with the complaint process and request the Phnom Penh Election Committee to open a public hearing for punishing the wrongdoers,” SRP representative Ly Sovichea told VOA Khmer on Wednesday. “We want the Phnom Penh Election Committee to follow the law.”
The CPP members, Ly Raman and Leng Phaly, have denied the allegations, and said they would attend a public hearing if necessary.
Ly Raman, who is an adviser for the Ministry of Cults and Religion, said he would “prepare legal action” if the opposition continued with its complaint.
Leng Phaly, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Planning, said the complainants had “no evidence” and that he had a “right to lobby all commune council members to vote for the CPP during the campaign.”
SRP officials say they have enough evidence of vote-buying to have a public hearing, and the Phnom Penh Election Committee said it would go forward with a hearing if the sides could not reconcile.
Bun Kheth, second deputy chief of Toek Thla commune, in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district said the complaint did not need to be reconciled, but a hearing should be held for “respect of the law and the rights of others.”
Var Sam, commune council member for Phnom Penh Thmei commune, said reconciliation would encourage impunity, and cause “wrongdoers” to “continue to violate the law without worry.”
More than 10,000 commune council members from the Cambodian People’s, Sam Rainsy and Norodom Ranariddh parties will vote for 3,260 seats on May 17.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
SRP to present evidence of CPP trying very hard to buy SRP councilors in the run-up to Sunday's election
May 12, 2009
Source: SRP
Source: SRP
EVIDENCE OF CPP TRYING VERY HARD TO BUY SRP COUNCILORS
IN THE RUN-UP TO SUNDAY'S ELECTION
IN THE RUN-UP TO SUNDAY'S ELECTION
The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) is organizing a special press conference in order to present evidence of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) trying very hard to buy SRP commune councilors in the run-up to the May 17 municipal, provincial and district elections. The evidence consists of audio and video recordings as well as dozens of witnesses from all over Cambodia giving their testimonies "live" during the press conference.
The SRP is lodging legal complaints with the National Election Committee (NEC) against the CPP in order to prevent a number of CPP candidates from running for violation of the Election Law.
All interested persons/organizations are invited to attend the press conference.
For any further information please contact Mr. Keo Phirum at 017 75 70 79
The SRP is lodging legal complaints with the National Election Committee (NEC) against the CPP in order to prevent a number of CPP candidates from running for violation of the Election Law.
All interested persons/organizations are invited to attend the press conference.
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, at 09:00 a.m.
Venue: SRP Headquarters in Phnom Penh, # 71 Sothearos Boulevard
Venue: SRP Headquarters in Phnom Penh, # 71 Sothearos Boulevard
For any further information please contact Mr. Keo Phirum at 017 75 70 79
Sam Rainsy's meeting with commune councilors and candidates in Takeo province
May 2, 2009: Opposition leader Sam Rainsy met with commune councilors and candidates in Takeo province in preparation for provincial / district council election.
Sam Rainsy's meeting with commune councilors and candidates in Battambang Province
May 8, 2009: Opposition leader Sam Rainsy met with commune councilors and candidates in Battambang Province in preparation for the provincial/district council election
Sam Rainsy hopes to win in the upcoming election
Sam Rainsy meeting with commune councilors and candidates in Battambang Province in preparation for the provincial/district council election (Photo: SRP)11 May 2009
By Hassan
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said that he hopes his party will be successful in the upcoming 17 May non-universal election to elect city, province and district councilors.
At the same time, Sam Rainsy declared that, even if next week’s election is non-universal, this is an opportunity for his party members to move forward to serve in national institutions in larger number.
Sam Rainsy said: “This is an opportunity for those who love justice to stand up to defend the people who are victimized from injustice. This is better than nothing. We want to see a universal election, i.e. voters who can cast their ballots directly to elect their representatives at the village, commune, district, province and national levels. However, now, we are not obtaining our wish yet, but what has been organized already up to now, we must take this opportunity to allow the representatives of the people who have a clear standing to occupy positions at the city, province and district levels.”
This is the first time that Cambodia organizes a non-universal election to select councilors for cities, provinces and districts. Tep Nytha, secretary-general of the National Election Committee (NEC), indicated that there will 215 election booths, the election will see 4 parties competing: the CPP, the SRP, Funcinpec and the NRP.
Only commune councilors can vote in this non-universal election. That is why civil society groups declared that the outcome of the election is already known in advance: the CPP will win because it has the largest number of commune councilors.
Nevertheless, Sam Rainsy claimed that his party will win votes also: “Not only do I hope for it, I am confident because the ruling party is using their money power, but the SRP is counting on the people’s will. I am confident that the willpower will win over the power of money, therefore the SRP will receive good results that reflect nationalism, that reflect the love for justice by elected councilors in the entire country.”
The total number of candidates and reserve candidates amounts to 17,290.
At the same time, Sam Rainsy declared that, even if next week’s election is non-universal, this is an opportunity for his party members to move forward to serve in national institutions in larger number.
Sam Rainsy said: “This is an opportunity for those who love justice to stand up to defend the people who are victimized from injustice. This is better than nothing. We want to see a universal election, i.e. voters who can cast their ballots directly to elect their representatives at the village, commune, district, province and national levels. However, now, we are not obtaining our wish yet, but what has been organized already up to now, we must take this opportunity to allow the representatives of the people who have a clear standing to occupy positions at the city, province and district levels.”
This is the first time that Cambodia organizes a non-universal election to select councilors for cities, provinces and districts. Tep Nytha, secretary-general of the National Election Committee (NEC), indicated that there will 215 election booths, the election will see 4 parties competing: the CPP, the SRP, Funcinpec and the NRP.
Only commune councilors can vote in this non-universal election. That is why civil society groups declared that the outcome of the election is already known in advance: the CPP will win because it has the largest number of commune councilors.
Nevertheless, Sam Rainsy claimed that his party will win votes also: “Not only do I hope for it, I am confident because the ruling party is using their money power, but the SRP is counting on the people’s will. I am confident that the willpower will win over the power of money, therefore the SRP will receive good results that reflect nationalism, that reflect the love for justice by elected councilors in the entire country.”
The total number of candidates and reserve candidates amounts to 17,290.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sam Rainsy: SRP will not tolerate corruption and land-grabbing among its elected councilors
Monday, May 11, 2009Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On Sunday, opposition leader Sam Rainsy warned that he will immediately remove any elected SRP councilors who would be involved in corruption, in theft of state assets, and in land-grabbing. During a meeting with commune councilors from Kandal province and Phnom Penh city, Sam Rainsy issued a warning, saying that the SRP will remove and replace anyone who is involved in corruption and land-grabbing. Sam Rainsy sais: “We will remove individuals who are not faithful with the voters, as well as those who do not support the people. The SRP will remove these people out and replace them with [councilors] who are faithful to the people.” It should be noted that the 2009 election for provincial and district councilors will take place on 17 May.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
NEC: jailed councillors must vote
The NEC's Tep Nytha: ‘Detained councillors have the right to vote.' (Photo by: TRACEY SHELTON)Thursday, 07 May 2009
Written by Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post
Election organising body says two councillors are in jail, but the opposition says there are five.
THE National Election Committee has asked the Ministry of Justice to ensure that jailed commune councillors are allowed to vote in the May 17 election.
Tep Nytha, secretary general of the NEC, told the Post on Wednesday that he knew of at least two commune councillors currently in provincial prisons.
He said provincial authorities would be responsible for taking imprisoned members to and from polling stations.
"Members of the commune councils who have been detained still have the right to vote," Tep Nytha said. "If any members of the commune councils are missing on election day, that will affect the result since there are only a small number of voters."
The country's 11,353 commune councillors from four political parties - the ruling Cambodian People's Party, the Sam Rainsy Party, Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party - will vote in the poll to elect members to provincial, district and municipal councils.
The vote is part of the government's decentralisation program and is meant to fill the gap in political representation between commune councils and parliament.
SRP says five in jail
Yim Sovann, an MP and spokesman for the SRP, told the Post that at least five SRP councillors were in prison.
"One is the SRP commune chief in Kampong Thom province," Yim Sovann said. "He was accused of kidnapping, but this is political intimidation to threaten our activists."
The commune chief, Tuot Saron, was arrested March 18 and charged as an accomplice in the alleged illegal detention of a party activist.
Tep Nytha said he had not received any complaints of political intimidation from the contesting parties since campaigning had started.
He said the two largest parties - the CPP and the SRP - were running active campaigns, but Funcinpec and the NRP - which have only 699 councillors between them - were gathering in small groups at those councils where they have members.
Prime Minister Hun Sen recently appealed to the police and local authorities across the Kingdom to cooperate with the NEC to ensure a sound political environment and a free and fair election.
The election monitoring NGO Comfrel has previously said it will boycott the election. It stated that because the poll is restricted to commune councillors, and since the public cannot take part in the vote, it would not reflect the will of the people.
THE National Election Committee has asked the Ministry of Justice to ensure that jailed commune councillors are allowed to vote in the May 17 election.
Tep Nytha, secretary general of the NEC, told the Post on Wednesday that he knew of at least two commune councillors currently in provincial prisons.
He said provincial authorities would be responsible for taking imprisoned members to and from polling stations.
"Members of the commune councils who have been detained still have the right to vote," Tep Nytha said. "If any members of the commune councils are missing on election day, that will affect the result since there are only a small number of voters."
The country's 11,353 commune councillors from four political parties - the ruling Cambodian People's Party, the Sam Rainsy Party, Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party - will vote in the poll to elect members to provincial, district and municipal councils.
The vote is part of the government's decentralisation program and is meant to fill the gap in political representation between commune councils and parliament.
SRP says five in jail
Yim Sovann, an MP and spokesman for the SRP, told the Post that at least five SRP councillors were in prison.
"One is the SRP commune chief in Kampong Thom province," Yim Sovann said. "He was accused of kidnapping, but this is political intimidation to threaten our activists."
The commune chief, Tuot Saron, was arrested March 18 and charged as an accomplice in the alleged illegal detention of a party activist.
Tep Nytha said he had not received any complaints of political intimidation from the contesting parties since campaigning had started.
He said the two largest parties - the CPP and the SRP - were running active campaigns, but Funcinpec and the NRP - which have only 699 councillors between them - were gathering in small groups at those councils where they have members.
Prime Minister Hun Sen recently appealed to the police and local authorities across the Kingdom to cooperate with the NEC to ensure a sound political environment and a free and fair election.
The election monitoring NGO Comfrel has previously said it will boycott the election. It stated that because the poll is restricted to commune councillors, and since the public cannot take part in the vote, it would not reflect the will of the people.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
SRP launches its campaign
02 May 2009By Im Navin
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French
Sam Rainsy, SRP President, launched his election campaign by traveling to Kampot and Takeo.
“We will not spend much money on this election because it is not a general election. Our expenses will depend on the number of councilors that we have in each commune,” Yim Sovann, SRP spokesman, declared.
Sam Rainsy’s message to commune councilors belonging to his party, numbering about 300, is classical: the government is not doing anything to resolve the problems faced by Cambodians. Sam Rainsy insisted on topics that hit [the CPP] the most: poverty, democracy and human rights issues, border dispute with Thailand, evictions and expropriations… “If the SRP is ruling, it will work hard to bring true power balance and a better sharing of wealth in the Cambodian society,” Yim Sovann promised. He hoped that Funcinpec and NRP commune councilors will vote to oppose the government.
On the other hand, the CPP launched its election campaign in Phnom Penh with an army of motorcycles and light trucks decorated to show the glory of the ruling party. The “pleasant” sound of loudspeakers spitting music and political program will again be ruling in the streets of Phnom Penh.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Poll start sees vote bribe claims
Friday, 01 May 2009
Written by SEBASTIAN STRANGIO and VONG SOKHENG
The Phnom Penh Post
Written by SEBASTIAN STRANGIO and VONG SOKHENG
The Phnom Penh Post
THE campaign for the upcoming provincial, municipal and district council elections is set to kick off today, amid opposition claims the ruling Cambodian People's Party is engaging in vote-buying as a means of swaying poll results.
Members of the new councils will be selected by the country's 11,353 commune councillors at the May 17 election, following a May 1-15 campaign period.
The Sam Rainsy Party came forward Wednesday with a recorded telephone conversation it claims is definitive evidence of bribery - illegal under the Kingdom's Election Law.
In the March 16 taped phone conversation, available on the party's website, Lay Channareth, a former CPP councillor in Preah Sihanouk's Lek Boun commune, can be heard offering current SRP councillor Seng Sophorn a cash bribe to vote for ruling party candidates.
"[The CPP] would like you to support us.... For this support, they will give you US$700 or $800," Lay Channareth told Seng Sophorn in the recording. He added that since it is a secret ballot, he need not worry about being found out by his party.
"If they don't find out, you can work normally and [we can] provide you with money for some time," he said.
Even if he was expelled from the party, Lay Channareth promised, the CPP would provide Seng Sophorn with "100,000 riels [$25] every month until the end of the mandate", as well as an opportunity to stand as a CPP candidate at the next commune council elections.
SRP President Sam Rainsy told the Post he was unsurprised by the tape recording, since the CPP had made many previous attempts to "lure" SRP officials, but that the party's appeals to conscience would win out over the lure of material gain.
"Their tricks are based on money and promises of personal gain, but most SRP officials have ideals," he said.
SRP Cabinet chief Keo Phirum, who is the party's first candidate for the Preah Sihanouk provincial council, said the party had faced a lot of problems from vote-buying earlier in the year, but that he trusted the province's 41 SRP commune councillors to stand strong.
"[Two months ago], former commune councillors who defected to the CPP came back to persuade our commune councillors," he said. But he added that subsequent discussions with councillors had "strengthened" their will to stay within the opposition fold.
Senior CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap could not be reached for comment Thursday, but Tep Nytha, secretary general of the National Election Committee, said that any party with evidence of bribery could file a complaint with the NEC.
Koul Panha, executive director of election monitor Comfrel, said the upcoming election would likely involve "a lot" of vote-buying but was more concerned about the "limited" nature of the elections.
With the poll restricted to party representatives, the results were a foregone conclusion, Koul Panha said, providing incentives for vote-buying.
"This system limits participation, and we want to make sure it will be reformed," he said.
Members of the new councils will be selected by the country's 11,353 commune councillors at the May 17 election, following a May 1-15 campaign period.
The Sam Rainsy Party came forward Wednesday with a recorded telephone conversation it claims is definitive evidence of bribery - illegal under the Kingdom's Election Law.
In the March 16 taped phone conversation, available on the party's website, Lay Channareth, a former CPP councillor in Preah Sihanouk's Lek Boun commune, can be heard offering current SRP councillor Seng Sophorn a cash bribe to vote for ruling party candidates.
"[The CPP] would like you to support us.... For this support, they will give you US$700 or $800," Lay Channareth told Seng Sophorn in the recording. He added that since it is a secret ballot, he need not worry about being found out by his party.
"If they don't find out, you can work normally and [we can] provide you with money for some time," he said.
Even if he was expelled from the party, Lay Channareth promised, the CPP would provide Seng Sophorn with "100,000 riels [$25] every month until the end of the mandate", as well as an opportunity to stand as a CPP candidate at the next commune council elections.
SRP President Sam Rainsy told the Post he was unsurprised by the tape recording, since the CPP had made many previous attempts to "lure" SRP officials, but that the party's appeals to conscience would win out over the lure of material gain.
"Their tricks are based on money and promises of personal gain, but most SRP officials have ideals," he said.
SRP Cabinet chief Keo Phirum, who is the party's first candidate for the Preah Sihanouk provincial council, said the party had faced a lot of problems from vote-buying earlier in the year, but that he trusted the province's 41 SRP commune councillors to stand strong.
"[Two months ago], former commune councillors who defected to the CPP came back to persuade our commune councillors," he said. But he added that subsequent discussions with councillors had "strengthened" their will to stay within the opposition fold.
Senior CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap could not be reached for comment Thursday, but Tep Nytha, secretary general of the National Election Committee, said that any party with evidence of bribery could file a complaint with the NEC.
Koul Panha, executive director of election monitor Comfrel, said the upcoming election would likely involve "a lot" of vote-buying but was more concerned about the "limited" nature of the elections.
With the poll restricted to party representatives, the results were a foregone conclusion, Koul Panha said, providing incentives for vote-buying.
"This system limits participation, and we want to make sure it will be reformed," he said.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Opposition claims of 'vote buying' dismissed by CPP
Tep Nytha, secretary general of the NEC, during a press conference last month. (Photo by: TRACEY SHELTON)Friday, 24 April 2009
Written by Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post
NEC secretary general says preparations for next month's elections are going smoothly and that voters are registered.
THE SECRETARY general of the National Election Committee said Thursday that preparations for next month's commune council elections were proceeding as planned, despite allegations from the Sam Rainsy Party that the Cambodian People's Party had been trying to persuade opposition commune councillors to vote for it.
Tep Nytha, the secretary general, said all 11,353 commune councillors had been officially registered to vote in the elections, which will see the councillors vote to determine the representation of their respective parties at the higher-level district councils and the municipal and provincial councils.
"We have finished the list of voters and the list of candidates from all political parties, and the process is going smoothly in advance of the campaign, which kicks off on May 2," Tep Nytha said.
But Yim Sovann, an SRP lawmaker and spokesman for the party, said there had been some irregularities with regard to the spelling of voters' names and also accused the CPP of "vote-buying" and intimidation.
"We have received information that the CPP has tried to persuade our council members by offering them positions in the government," he said.
He said the party would gather all of its commune councillors at a meeting on Sunday to "strengthen their political will" and discourage them from "selling their consciences" by voting for the CPP.
He said he expected the party to receive 20 to 30 percent of available seats in the Kingdom's district, provincial and municipal councils.
CPP denial
In a statement posted to its website on Tuesday, the CPP dismissed allegations that it had tried to persuade opposition lawmakers to vote for it and defended the effort of the NEC to run the elections smoothly and fairly.
"Some parties have continued to distort the NEC's responsible effort to organise the elections as well as the CPP's supremacy ... as they have done previously," the statement reads.
Cheam Yeap, a senior CPP lawmaker and member of the party's Central Committee, told the Post on Thursday that the party would hold a two-day conference over the weekend in an effort to shore up support among its commune councillors and articulate a political platform to gain more supporters.
"It is the right of the political parties to criticise, but the CPP does not have a policy of buying votes," he said.
Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party will participate in the elections along with the CPP and the SRP.
The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia released a report in February blasting the elections as meaningless, saying they will hold no interest for the general public.
THE SECRETARY general of the National Election Committee said Thursday that preparations for next month's commune council elections were proceeding as planned, despite allegations from the Sam Rainsy Party that the Cambodian People's Party had been trying to persuade opposition commune councillors to vote for it.
Tep Nytha, the secretary general, said all 11,353 commune councillors had been officially registered to vote in the elections, which will see the councillors vote to determine the representation of their respective parties at the higher-level district councils and the municipal and provincial councils.
"We have finished the list of voters and the list of candidates from all political parties, and the process is going smoothly in advance of the campaign, which kicks off on May 2," Tep Nytha said.
But Yim Sovann, an SRP lawmaker and spokesman for the party, said there had been some irregularities with regard to the spelling of voters' names and also accused the CPP of "vote-buying" and intimidation.
"We have received information that the CPP has tried to persuade our council members by offering them positions in the government," he said.
He said the party would gather all of its commune councillors at a meeting on Sunday to "strengthen their political will" and discourage them from "selling their consciences" by voting for the CPP.
He said he expected the party to receive 20 to 30 percent of available seats in the Kingdom's district, provincial and municipal councils.
CPP denial
In a statement posted to its website on Tuesday, the CPP dismissed allegations that it had tried to persuade opposition lawmakers to vote for it and defended the effort of the NEC to run the elections smoothly and fairly.
"Some parties have continued to distort the NEC's responsible effort to organise the elections as well as the CPP's supremacy ... as they have done previously," the statement reads.
Cheam Yeap, a senior CPP lawmaker and member of the party's Central Committee, told the Post on Thursday that the party would hold a two-day conference over the weekend in an effort to shore up support among its commune councillors and articulate a political platform to gain more supporters.
"It is the right of the political parties to criticise, but the CPP does not have a policy of buying votes," he said.
Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party will participate in the elections along with the CPP and the SRP.
The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia released a report in February blasting the elections as meaningless, saying they will hold no interest for the general public.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
CPP backs NEC ban on foreign participation in council elections [... but it is OK for Vietnamese to vote in Cambodian elections?]
On the campaign trail in Phnom Penh during last year's general election. (Photo by: HENG CHIVOAN)Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Written by Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post
Election watchdog Comfrel says military, police influence a higher priority.
THE ruling Cambodian People's Party said Monday it supports the ban on foreign citizens participating in the May 17 district, municipal and provincial elections.
In the election, votes will be cast by the 11,353 elected commune council members, but not by the public. The new bodies are part of the government's decentralisation program to improve representation among the National Assembly and the commune councils.
Senior CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap told the Post his party agreed with last week's ruling by the National Election Committee and said it would help to prevent any violence that might ensue by inflammatory comments by foreigners.
He claimed the CPP had discovered foreigners helping the opposition Sam Rainsy Party in last year's general election, campaigning in Kampong Cham and Prey Veng.
"We are patient with criticisms made by Cambodian politicians, but we don't want to see electoral campaigns conducted by foreigners in support of opposition political parties," said Cheam Yeap. "Their criticisms look down on Cambodia and our people."
But SRP Secretary General and lawmaker Ke Sovannroth denied the allegation. She said the only foreigners who took part in the general election were international observers monitoring proceedings.
The election-monitoring body Comfrel said the NEC had missed the point and ought to focus on more relevant issues. Comfrel Executive Director Koul Panha said the issue of foreign participation was not a priority.
"It happens very rarely and would have no influence - foreigners respect the code of conduct," he said.
Koul Panha said the NEC ought to prioritise focussing on the role of the police and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in influencing election results. He said the NEC should issue clear regulations on how those bodies participated in elections.
NEC Secretary General Tep Nytha said the regulation was designed to remind all parties that foreigners were not allowed to take part in the campaign, and any party that flouted the rule could be fined.
Campaigning for the election will run from May 1 to 15 and is to see the CPP, the SRP, the Norodom Ranariddh Party and Funcinpec competing to win votes from the country's 11,353 commune councillors. The outcome will determine the composition of the parties at the higher-level district councils and the municipal and provincial councils.
Tep Nytha said CPP candidates were listed at 217 polling stations, the SRP had candidates at 205, Funcinpec candidates were at 71 and the NRP were at 62. A total of 17,293 candidates from the four parties are registered with the NEC.
The CPP's Cheam Yeap said his party was ready to compete with all four political parties in May's election and appealed to each party to actively build confidence among their voters.
"We aren't worried about the influence of those foreigners who back opposition parties, but we don't want foreigners coming here and insulting the Cambodian people," said Cheam Yeap.
THE ruling Cambodian People's Party said Monday it supports the ban on foreign citizens participating in the May 17 district, municipal and provincial elections.
In the election, votes will be cast by the 11,353 elected commune council members, but not by the public. The new bodies are part of the government's decentralisation program to improve representation among the National Assembly and the commune councils.
Senior CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap told the Post his party agreed with last week's ruling by the National Election Committee and said it would help to prevent any violence that might ensue by inflammatory comments by foreigners.
He claimed the CPP had discovered foreigners helping the opposition Sam Rainsy Party in last year's general election, campaigning in Kampong Cham and Prey Veng.
"We are patient with criticisms made by Cambodian politicians, but we don't want to see electoral campaigns conducted by foreigners in support of opposition political parties," said Cheam Yeap. "Their criticisms look down on Cambodia and our people."
But SRP Secretary General and lawmaker Ke Sovannroth denied the allegation. She said the only foreigners who took part in the general election were international observers monitoring proceedings.
The election-monitoring body Comfrel said the NEC had missed the point and ought to focus on more relevant issues. Comfrel Executive Director Koul Panha said the issue of foreign participation was not a priority.
"It happens very rarely and would have no influence - foreigners respect the code of conduct," he said.
Koul Panha said the NEC ought to prioritise focussing on the role of the police and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in influencing election results. He said the NEC should issue clear regulations on how those bodies participated in elections.
NEC Secretary General Tep Nytha said the regulation was designed to remind all parties that foreigners were not allowed to take part in the campaign, and any party that flouted the rule could be fined.
Campaigning for the election will run from May 1 to 15 and is to see the CPP, the SRP, the Norodom Ranariddh Party and Funcinpec competing to win votes from the country's 11,353 commune councillors. The outcome will determine the composition of the parties at the higher-level district councils and the municipal and provincial councils.
Tep Nytha said CPP candidates were listed at 217 polling stations, the SRP had candidates at 205, Funcinpec candidates were at 71 and the NRP were at 62. A total of 17,293 candidates from the four parties are registered with the NEC.
The CPP's Cheam Yeap said his party was ready to compete with all four political parties in May's election and appealed to each party to actively build confidence among their voters.
"We aren't worried about the influence of those foreigners who back opposition parties, but we don't want foreigners coming here and insulting the Cambodian people," said Cheam Yeap.
Candidates Ready for Upcoming Council Election
By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 March 2009
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 March 2009
More 17,000 candidates for provincial and district councils have registered for upcoming elections in May, the National Election Committee announced Monday.
The candidates will come from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, Funcinpec, the Norodom Ranariddh Party and the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, which all have commune council members spread nationwide.
Full candidates totaled 8,521, with reserve candidates making up the rest, NEC Secretary-General Tep Nitha said in a statement. More than 2,500 candidates were women, he said.
On May 17, commune council members will vote for 2,861 district council members and 374 provincial or municipal council members.
“This election is very important for Cambodia to move on decentralization, which will provide power to local authorities and the people to make decisions in local development,” Tep Nitha said.
The CPP has registered its candidates in all districts, provinces and municipalities, or around 217 centers, Funcinpec at 71 centers, NRP at 64 centers and SRP at 205 centers.
“We have prepared a stronger strategy for joining the first [council] election in May,” SRP spokesman Yim Sovann said Monday. “We have also prepared a careful strategy to counter the CPP tactics of buying and threatening voters and candidates.”
The opposition party had strengthened its stance at local points “to find the way to protect its members from the ruling party members, to buy and threaten Sam Rainsy Party voters and candidates,” he said. “I hope that our value cannot be sold. We can earn, but our value and honor, for which we have struggled for nearly two decades, cannot be sold.”
Puthea Hang, executive director of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Elections in Cambodia, said his group was “carefully watching the election process.”
The candidates will come from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, Funcinpec, the Norodom Ranariddh Party and the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, which all have commune council members spread nationwide.
Full candidates totaled 8,521, with reserve candidates making up the rest, NEC Secretary-General Tep Nitha said in a statement. More than 2,500 candidates were women, he said.
On May 17, commune council members will vote for 2,861 district council members and 374 provincial or municipal council members.
“This election is very important for Cambodia to move on decentralization, which will provide power to local authorities and the people to make decisions in local development,” Tep Nitha said.
The CPP has registered its candidates in all districts, provinces and municipalities, or around 217 centers, Funcinpec at 71 centers, NRP at 64 centers and SRP at 205 centers.
“We have prepared a stronger strategy for joining the first [council] election in May,” SRP spokesman Yim Sovann said Monday. “We have also prepared a careful strategy to counter the CPP tactics of buying and threatening voters and candidates.”
The opposition party had strengthened its stance at local points “to find the way to protect its members from the ruling party members, to buy and threaten Sam Rainsy Party voters and candidates,” he said. “I hope that our value cannot be sold. We can earn, but our value and honor, for which we have struggled for nearly two decades, cannot be sold.”
Puthea Hang, executive director of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Elections in Cambodia, said his group was “carefully watching the election process.”
Battle of the light weight titans: Nhiek Bun Chhay vs Soy Sopheap
Nhiek Bun Chhay (L) and Soy Sopheap (R)Party Leader To Protest TV Host Remarks
By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 March 2009
Phnom Penh authorities have green-lighted a demonstration to be led by Funcinpec Secretary-General Nhiek Bun Chhay against a television political commentator, officials said Monday.
No date has been set for a demonstration, against Cambodian Television Network commentator Soy Sopheap, which could be held in front of CTN headquarters in Phnom Penh, Nhiek Bun Chhay said.
Nhiek Bun Chhay claims Soy Sopheap slandered the reputation of his party, which was once a rival to the ruling party but is now a diminished coalition partner, in comments made March 12.
The party is preparing for district and provincial council elections in May.
“My party’s commune activists were unhappy when they heard Soy Sopheap announcement on the 12th about Funcinpec’s reputation,” Nhiek Bun Chhay said. “I received a lot of complaints from them against Soy Sopheap.”
Soy Sopheap hosts a political show, “Thursday Talk,” which airs every Thursday night.
Soy Sopheap said Monday he was expressing his opinion, legal under the constitution.
“If you are a politician, you should be able to receive constructive criticism,” he told VOA Khmer.
Pen Samithik, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said Monday the demonstration marked the first time a senior political figure demonstrated against a journalist.
“Nhiek Bun Chhay should have another solution against Soy Sopheap, such as writing an official letter to him asking for an apology, or filing a complaint to the court,” Pen Samitik said.
Reached by phone in Beijing Monday, Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema told VOA Khmer he had not received the complaint, but said that as a high-ranking official, Nhiek Bun Chhay should not choose a demonstration as a resolution.
“If you think an announcement affects your party, you should ask [the commentator] to correct his mistake or file a complaint to the court,” Kep Chuktema said.
No date has been set for a demonstration, against Cambodian Television Network commentator Soy Sopheap, which could be held in front of CTN headquarters in Phnom Penh, Nhiek Bun Chhay said.
Nhiek Bun Chhay claims Soy Sopheap slandered the reputation of his party, which was once a rival to the ruling party but is now a diminished coalition partner, in comments made March 12.
The party is preparing for district and provincial council elections in May.
“My party’s commune activists were unhappy when they heard Soy Sopheap announcement on the 12th about Funcinpec’s reputation,” Nhiek Bun Chhay said. “I received a lot of complaints from them against Soy Sopheap.”
Soy Sopheap hosts a political show, “Thursday Talk,” which airs every Thursday night.
Soy Sopheap said Monday he was expressing his opinion, legal under the constitution.
“If you are a politician, you should be able to receive constructive criticism,” he told VOA Khmer.
Pen Samithik, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said Monday the demonstration marked the first time a senior political figure demonstrated against a journalist.
“Nhiek Bun Chhay should have another solution against Soy Sopheap, such as writing an official letter to him asking for an apology, or filing a complaint to the court,” Pen Samitik said.
Reached by phone in Beijing Monday, Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema told VOA Khmer he had not received the complaint, but said that as a high-ranking official, Nhiek Bun Chhay should not choose a demonstration as a resolution.
“If you think an announcement affects your party, you should ask [the commentator] to correct his mistake or file a complaint to the court,” Kep Chuktema said.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
PP election: Only the SRP is left to compete with the CPP
PP election a two-cart raceTHURSDAY, 12 MARCH 2009
Written by Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post
AMONG the four parties approved to compete in the upcoming May 17 council elections, just two parties - the ruling Cambodian People's Party and opposition Sam Rainsy Party - will compete for seats on Phnom Penh's municipal council, according to party ballot draws conducted by the Provincial Election Committee (PEC) Tuesday.
Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party, which lack significant numbers of commune councillors in the capital, will be unable to participate in the municipal council poll, which is only open to Cambodia's 11,353 sitting commune councillors.
Tach Setha, the first of the SRP's eight candidates, said that although the municipal elections would be a foregone conclusion, he was optimistic the party's policies would encourage CPP councillors to cast their ballot for the opposition.
"We hope the SRP will have enough votes, and in addition we hope the CPP's commune councillors will see that the SRP acts in the people's interest and will vote for our candidates," he said at SRP headquarters Wednesday.
The ruling party confirmed it would run 45 candidates in the elections, although it had not yet finalised its candidate lists. But party representative Nuth Chea dismissed the idea that ruling party councillors would cast their vote for the opposition.
"Why will CPP members vote for the SRP? What did the SRP do for the people that will make the CPP vote for [them]? This is just inflating rhetoric from the SRP," he said.
Not worth it
NRP spokesman Suth Dina said Wednesday that although his party held four of Phnom Penh's 664 commune council positions, the party's small representation in the capital meant it was not worth taking part in the elections.
Puthea Hang, executive director of local election monitor Nicfec, said that even though the SRP had decent commune representation in Phnom Penh, the poll would reflect the numbers, which show the CPP holding 394 commune council seats to the opposition's 266.
"We do not think votes will be bought from the SRP, but the CPP will still dominate this poll," he said.
In Tuesday's ballot draw, the SRP was drawn to appear ahead of the CPP on municipal council ballots.
Funcinpec and the Norodom Ranariddh Party, which lack significant numbers of commune councillors in the capital, will be unable to participate in the municipal council poll, which is only open to Cambodia's 11,353 sitting commune councillors.
Tach Setha, the first of the SRP's eight candidates, said that although the municipal elections would be a foregone conclusion, he was optimistic the party's policies would encourage CPP councillors to cast their ballot for the opposition.
"We hope the SRP will have enough votes, and in addition we hope the CPP's commune councillors will see that the SRP acts in the people's interest and will vote for our candidates," he said at SRP headquarters Wednesday.
The ruling party confirmed it would run 45 candidates in the elections, although it had not yet finalised its candidate lists. But party representative Nuth Chea dismissed the idea that ruling party councillors would cast their vote for the opposition.
"Why will CPP members vote for the SRP? What did the SRP do for the people that will make the CPP vote for [them]? This is just inflating rhetoric from the SRP," he said.
Not worth it
NRP spokesman Suth Dina said Wednesday that although his party held four of Phnom Penh's 664 commune council positions, the party's small representation in the capital meant it was not worth taking part in the elections.
Puthea Hang, executive director of local election monitor Nicfec, said that even though the SRP had decent commune representation in Phnom Penh, the poll would reflect the numbers, which show the CPP holding 394 commune council seats to the opposition's 266.
"We do not think votes will be bought from the SRP, but the CPP will still dominate this poll," he said.
In Tuesday's ballot draw, the SRP was drawn to appear ahead of the CPP on municipal council ballots.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Only 4 parties to join local election of Cambodia in May
PHNOM PENH, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Only 4 political parties became eligible to participate in the local election of Cambodia in May, as the registration process has come to its end, said English-language daily newspaper the Phnom Penh Post on Monday.
They are the major ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the major opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), the co-ruling Funcinpec Party and the opposition Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), the paper quoted Tep Nytha, secretary general of the National Election Committee (NEC), as saying.
The 4 parties have registered themselves with NEC for the election in accordance with relevant regulations, while dozens of other small parties haven't responded yet, he added.
On May 17, Cambodia will hold the polling for positions of district, provincial and municipal councils as part of the government's drive to transfer more decision-making powers to the local level.
NEC has set altogether 193 temporary offices all over the country to serve the process, and the government plans to deploy 27,133 police force nationwide to guarantee safety and order.
They are the major ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the major opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), the co-ruling Funcinpec Party and the opposition Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), the paper quoted Tep Nytha, secretary general of the National Election Committee (NEC), as saying.
The 4 parties have registered themselves with NEC for the election in accordance with relevant regulations, while dozens of other small parties haven't responded yet, he added.
On May 17, Cambodia will hold the polling for positions of district, provincial and municipal councils as part of the government's drive to transfer more decision-making powers to the local level.
NEC has set altogether 193 temporary offices all over the country to serve the process, and the government plans to deploy 27,133 police force nationwide to guarantee safety and order.
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