Cambodia is a democracy: PM says

Khmer Times
Khuon Narim

Members of the Cambodian Youth Party with NEC officials. KT/Chor Sokunthea

Prime Minister Hun said yesterday that Cambodia remains a democracy because both big and small political parties will participate in the national election in July.

Mr Hun Sen wrote a message on his Facebook page yesterday saying that he applauded all political parties registering their candidates to contest the election on July 29.

“This clearly demonstrates that Cambodia is carrying out democracy because small and big political parties have the right and opportunity to take part in a free and fair election,” he said.

The Cambodian People’s Party, Cambodian Youth Party and Cambodian Nationality Party have already registered to participate in the election in July while a dozen others contacted the National Election Committee for application forms.

However, former opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who has lived in exile since 2015 after a slew of court cases, has called on all Cambodians to not take part in the election as it would only help rubber-stamp the ruling CPP.

Mr Hun Sen has reiterated that the CNRP cannot be resurrected because the Supreme Court dissolved it after its leader Kem Sokha was jailed on treason charges for allegedly conspiring with the US to topple the government through a colour revolution.

The premier added in his Facebook message yesterday that the government has paid much attention on protecting the rights of workers and providing benefits to improve the livelihoods of garment workers during their employment and retirement.

“I am very happy to see our brothers and sisters having good health and getting jobs with suitable wages, including other benefits offered by the companies,” Mr Hun Sen said.

Mr Hun Sen also thanked all members of the CPP and asked all party supporters to vote in July to ensure the CPP can continue the country’s development.

Sam Kuntheamy, executive director of election watchdog Nicfec, agreed with Mr Hun Sen’s remarks on the election process, noting that the election will move on without the CNRP.

“We see three political parties have registered with the NEC and more are coming,” Mr Kuntheamy said. “The election process will move forward without the CNRP.”