02 July 2018
(date of release for member governments and parliaments and other
stakeholders)
Report issued for general public on 17 July 2018
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
CAMBODIA JULY 2018
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................... 4
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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ELECTORAL ASSESSMENT
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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I. INTRODUCTION
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and general framework of the National Assembly election slated for 29 July
20181.
The aim of the evaluation process was to assess the pre-election
environment and the preparations for the parliamentary election.
Taken into account were also: public opinions, statements and discussions
expressed by officials from different Cambodian institutions and the election
and civil administration, as well as official spokespersons from political parties,
media outlets, civil society personalities, and the international community2.
1
https://centruldiplomatic.wordpress.com/2018/06/30/election-monitoring-website-dedicated-to-cambodias-
parliamentary-elections-july-2018-unveiled/
2
https://cambodian-elections.yolasite.com/
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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According with the law prescriptions, the National Assembly vote will start on
29 July 2018, giving the voters the chance to elect the National Assembly for a
full constitutional term.
The law encapsulates also the necessary democratic prescriptions for an open
and fair electoral process3.
The July 29,2018, election will be the sixth consecutive national election called
on legal bases, a supplementary proof of a democratic and viable electoral
system.
3
https://cambodian-elections.yolasite.com/National-Election-Committee.php
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
The principles that are governing the parliamentary elections are governed by
the Constitution, the Constitutional Law on Elections (Election Law), and
regulations of the National Election Committee (NEC)4.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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number of Territorial Election Commissions and the City Election
Commissions, District Election Commissions, and Local Election Commissions
(LECs).
The National Election Committee composition and activity is fully
independent and in perfect correspondence with international laws and
regulations insuring the independence of electoral and monitoring process7.
The international community from government and INGO`s and CSO`s from
Asia and Europe have expressed their support for the July 2018 Elections
through financial assistance and deployment of observers.
The current members of the NEC are: H.E. Mr. Sik Bun Hok, the Chairman,
H.E. Mr. Nuth Sokhom, the Vice-Chairman, and members: H.E Mr. Mean
7
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6l9ufd
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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Satik , H.E Mr. Dim Sovannarom , H.E Mr. Duch Sorn , H.E Mr. Hing Thirith ,
H.E Mr. Em Sophath, H.E Mr. Hel Sarath and H.E Mr. Hang Puthea.
NEC was appreciated for its significant progress in organizing 2017 Communal
and Sangkat Council Elections and 2018 Senate Elections, and all these
successes offered the necessary guarantees that this year's general elections
would be also free and fair.
The NEC fully meets the requirements for an independent and impartial
Electoral Management Body.
Independent media stakeholders have expressed their support for the NEC-
National Electoral Committee decision to create and open, fair and transparent
environment for media involved in election process and appreciated the
improving mass media landscape in the Kingdom after the shutdown of the fake
news mill of Cambodia Daily and the restructuring of Phnom Penh Post had
given hope that the media will stop acting of foreign agendas and to support
violence and a campaign of disinformation in the country.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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All international actors have also expressed their satisfaction on the composition
and management of the National Election Committee (NEC).
The management body is widely perceived as free and independent and able to
provide a competing and free environment for electoral processus .
The Election Law guarantees the right to conduct an unimpeded campaign for
or against any candidate.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
A. FACT FINDING
Cambodia is a fully flagged democratic kingdom, respecting the
equilibrium of powers and balanced distribution of constitutional powers8.
The National Assembly is acting in full respect of the democratic system and
the country has a long tradition of political process in a democratic manner and
with all the guarantees for an inclusive and democratic process.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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As we have mentioned previously the next election will be the sixth consecutive
national election in the kingdom recent democratic history.
B. LEGAL FRAMEWORK
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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In the focus of this analysis where: the mass media law, the election law, the
political laws and the Constitutional Law of Cambodian and had operated a
surveillance of the measure taken by the National Election Committee in order
to insure a free and open election atmosphere.
In the 29 July 2018 the same principles and laws are applying as in 2018 Senate
elections case.
Other relevant laws include the Law on the National Assembly, the Law on
Political Parties, the Civil Procedures Code, the Criminal Code, the
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Administrative Offences Code, the Law on Peaceful Assemblies, and various
local regulations related to public assemblies.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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Membership and submission to all the previously noted agreements and
treaty are creating a perfect election environment in accordance with
international laws.
The Constitution and electoral law are offering the climate for an inclusive and
representative participation in the electoral race: the National Assembly
candidate may be nominated through self-nomination or by a public association,
including a political party.
The necessary prescriptions for barring from standing for office of persons
related to crimes, or found guilty of corruption-related crimes or administrative
offences have being taken.
In Cambodia there are currently 38 political parties registered with the Ministry
of Interior. These parties, in order to contest the elections will have to register
with the NEC as well.
As of May 23, 2018, there are 20 political parties who were successful in their
registration with the NEC, ensuring the inclusion of their party on the elections
list.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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The 20 registered parties for the upcoming parliamentary election include
Cambodian People`s Party- CPP, Cambodian Youth Party, Cambodian
Nationality Party, Khmer National United Party, FUNCINPEC Party, Khmer
United Party, Grassroots Democracy Party, New Light Party, Beehive Social
Democratic Party, League for Democracy Party, Khmer Anti-Poverty Party,
Dharmacracy Party, Kingdoman Democratic Party, Our Motherland Party,
Khmer Rise Party, Khmer Economic Development Party, Khmer Will Party,
Khmer Kingdoman Party, Reaksmey Khemra Party, and Cambodia Indigenous
People Democracy Party10.
E. POLITICAL BACKGROUND
10
http://www.akp.gov.kh/archives/132864
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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Under C.P.P. rule Cambodians had enjoyed steady economic growth, social,
educational and health system continuous improvements and have greater
access to information.
Urban migration and the proliferation of internet access and social media
networks such as Facebook have fostered awareness of the political issues , for
example Prime Minister Hun Sen is one of the most followed world leaders on
social networks.
The Prime Minister Hun Sen’s leadership has also strengthen the country’s
democracy, enacted a system of rule of law and respect towards social norms
while pushing for development and modernization.
Cambodian People`s Party popularity has withstand all electoral test in recent
years.
F. ELECTORAL APPLICATIONS.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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have being address insuring a perfect democratic character to the first
phase of the election procedures.
On May 23, the NEC had announced that 20 political parties had been
accredited for this year's elections and, out of 25 constituencies, 9 parties are
contesting all 25 constituencies.
The election campaign starts on July 7th , the day after the end of candidate
registration, and lasts until 27 July , when the silence period starts.
The Election Law guarantees citizens and public associations the right to
conduct an unimpeded campaign for or against any candidate.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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Local authorities are mandated to provide space for the placement of campaign
posters on an equal basis and candidates may also post materials on TV, radio
and printed media.
The Election Law is the main legal source addressing candidate rights to
campaign in the media, providing equal access to airtime and print space.
H. CIVIC SOCIETY.
The role of civic society in elections often takes the form of support for the
institutional processes of democratic elections as well as the more substantive
development of a democratic electorate.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
With respect to the forthcoming elections, many civil society organizations and
voters have expressed full trust of the ongoing election preparations.
From the time of its first democratic elections in 1993 to our day, Cambodia has
gradually become home to one of the most open and vibrant media and civil
society environments in Southeast Asia.
This atmosphere of threats against the legal government, the National Electoral
Committee and the main political parties is counterbalanced by the national
enthusiasm and vibrancy of civil society and political parties dedicated activity
and the determination of the authorities to carve out the 2018 elections,
as the most democratic election in the country.
Months prior to the elections, the International Electoral Monitoring Team saw
unlawful activities destined to create a sense of disenfranchisement among
stakeholders and voters and attacks against various political parties (especially
Cambodian People`s Party-CPP) and against government.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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The Kingdom legal courts had concluded that: these activities where part of a
programmed coup d’état by the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party
(CNRP).
After the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) the
situation in the country has experienced a rapid improvement in terms of
dialogue, optimism and trust in the political process.
With the absence of the threats and violence from the political arena a line
of rapidly developing opposition party had flourished demonstrating the
Kingdom political vitality and democratic prowess.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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IV. FINAL CONCLUSIONS ON PRE-ELECTION OBSERVATION
The Cambodian Election Law provides for international and citizen observers,
as well as authorized representatives of registered candidates.
We consider that the electoral system is offering the checks and balances
necessary to insure a perfect democratic consultation13.
11
http://www.akp.gov.kh/archives/132808
12
http://eucir.webs.com/apps/blog/show/45794828-european-election-observer-mission-to-take-part-in-
cambodian-national-elections-2018-monitoring
13
http://eucir.webs.com/apps/blog/show/45713452-international-observers-are-prepared-for-2018-
cambodia-s-national-election
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■■■
a. PRE-ELECTION PERIOD
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elections some interested parties desirous in seeding havoc and conflict,
continued to raise questions and to try to falsely present the realities of the
Kingdom14.
14
http://eucir.webs.com/apps/blog/show/45794858-international-democratic-community-offers-plaudits-to-
h-m-king-norodom-sihamoni-for-defending-democratic-and-free-elections-in-cambodia
15
http://iricer.webs.com/apps/blog/show/45751675-his-majesty-preah-bat-samdech-preah-boromneath-
norodom-sihamoni-king-of-cambodia-july-2018-election-will-be-free
16
https://centruldiplomatic.wordpress.com/2018/06/09/h-m-king-norodom-sihamoni-weights-in-cambodia-is-
having-free-and-fair-elections/
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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We consider that in the parliamentary election (29 July 2018) pre-election
campaign Cambodian has fulfilled all his legal obligation on holding open,
free, and fair and equal opportunity driven elections17.
Their sessions were openly and transparently monitored by observers and the
media.
17
https://medium.com/world-and-tourism/cambodia-s-july-29-elections-promises-to-be-the-most-
democratic-and-open-i-country-s-history-1a535b4a7bc3
18
https://medium.com/revista-de-politica-externa/international-community-launching-website-for-
monitoring-cambodian-general-elections-2018-48003718d1e8
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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NGOs operate in a permissive environment, and after 2017 reform bill that is
providing supplementary supervision for NGO`S, offering opportunities for
personal and institutional development and improving the sphere of activity for
all NGO`s bodies, in such a manner that they can fulfil their role in providing
quality services for Cambodian citizens.
Cambodian is enjoying a system that is open and full of liberty and the reform
on NGO`s field has allowed Cambodian to obtain high quality services from the
area of civil society.
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INTERNATIONAL ELECTION MONITORING TEAM
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This mission report concludes by saying that the upcoming elections 2018
have all the legal, constitutional framework and general atmosphere as
conducive to transparent, free, fair and democratic valid polls.
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