China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) has issued a statement sharing its conclusion on Cambodia’s National Election process, stressing that the election was “peaceful, fair and transparent adhering to the international standards of fairness, peacefulness, transparency and inclusiveness.”
The full statement AKP received this afternoon reads as follows:
CHINA NGO NETWORK FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES
“Elements of Statements to be considered”
on the 23 July 2023 National Election in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, July 24, 2023
1. China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) is pleased to share the conclusion from CNIE delegation. CNIE Delegation observed the 7th Legislative Election of the Members of the National Assembly held on Sunday 23 July 2023 in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
2. In the capacity as a coalition of NGOs whose purposes are to facilitate NGOs in China to participate in relevant activities of international NGOs as well as the UN system, carry forward the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, promote the attainment of the SDGs, enhance cooperation of Chinese NGOs with the UN and deepen friendship among peoples of all countries in the world. CNIE has the credentials to observe electoral processes in Cambodia.
3. On the polling day, the delegation visited a Polling Station located on the campus of Tuol Kok Primary School of Phnom Penh in the morning and other Polling Stations on the campus of Wat Koh High School and Preah Sisowath high school in Phnom Penh. Early in the morning, we checked the ballot box in the polling station and found the box was empty. There are 18 political parties in the ballot sheet for Phnom Penh Capital. The delegation observed that there was a large number of registered voter turnout at all polling stations, and observed that the Cambodian people casted their ballots in a secret and transparent manner.
4. We were impressed to see that Cambodian people were enthusiastic in participating in the election. For instance, in polling stations we visited, we were particularly fascinated to observe voters among whom are women with babies and aged voters, all arrived at the stations very early in the morning. Such participation demonstrates public confidence in the electoral process and management of NEC and other supporting agencies in creating a favorable environment for the successful conduct of election. We highly commend the works of NEC for their professionalism.
5. Cambodia is a safe nation with friendly people. We could see smiles on most Cambodians faces: they were ready to vote to choose their leaders. They seem to enjoy the peace and rapid development of the country. We commend Cambodia’s effective control of Covid-19 through nationwide vaccination and other interventions, bringing back the normality to the whole nation particularly the return of tourism, and maintains social and political stability, enabling citizens to live happily and participate in national development.
6. Cambodia, along with other Asian countries, has witnessed a slow transition of political demography, especially youth taking an active role in the political process and democracy development. Cambodian youths, as we observed, have confidently taken the baton from the previous generation with a strong determination and aspiration to build a just society and safeguard their predecessor’s legacy.
7. From the observation and findings, the delegates consider the 7th Legislative Election of the Members of the National Assembly in the Kingdom of Cambodia peaceful, fair and transparent adhering to the international standards of fairness, peacefulness, transparency and inclusiveness.
8. The delegates, therefore, congratulates the people of Cambodia on the historic successful election, and encourages all Cambodian people and political parties to work together for the country’s further socio-economic development and prosperity.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP)