Election Season But Where's the Party?

by Chua Sue-Ann



Were it not for a chance encounter with a procession of trucks carrying noisy supporters one dusty morning in Siem Reap, it would not have been apparent that Cambodia will be going to the polls on July 27th.

The subdued atmosphere of the month-long campaigning period is a stark contrast to the fanfare that we are used to in Malaysia. Here, the streets are not littered with unforgettable party banners. Parliamentary hopefuls are not seen walking around shaking hands with voters nor are there lively political ceramahs every night. It is business as usual for everyone.

Eleven political parties are vying for 123 seats at the National Assembly, including the dominant Cambodian People's Party, the United National Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia (Funcinpec), the royalist Norodom Ranariddh Party, opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) and the newly-formed Human Rights Party.

The current Cambodian government is led by Hun Sen of the major ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the co-ruling Funcinpec Party. Under an agreement, Hun Sen is to remain prime minister, even if his party is no longer in the majority. The Cambodian parliament is a bicameral system consisting of the Senate with 61 seats and the National Assembly with 123 seats.

The last general elections in 2003 saw 23 parties contending with each other. That year, CPP won the majority of 73 seats in the National Assembly while Funcinpec and SRP won 26 and 24 seats respectively.

The Cambodian People's Party is widely expected to remain in power after this year's election. When asked, many people we met expressed their fear of trouble, stating a preference to vote as they have always voted out of a desire to maintain peace in the country.

Sally, a stall worker, said, "It doesn't matter who wins as long as my family is safe."

On the other hand, a man known as Tain said, "I like opposition but (they) cannot win."

"The CPP (is) too powerful. What they want, they can do (because) they have money and power," he said, adding that he expects everything to remain the same if CPP wins.

The language barrier certainly makes it very difficult to join in on the election fun. It would be interesting to get a glimpse into coffee shop talk on politics and the polls in Cambodia. The several people we met on the streets displayed some reservation on talking about politics openly. I presume it wasn't just the language barrier as we were assisted by local translators. Perhaps it is due to distrust of the unfamiliar.

Tain explained that he does discuss politics with his friends "but cannot talk too much." He smiled and remained mum when asked about his discontentment with the present situation and administration.

A local resource person explained that there is suspicion that the many taxi and motor drivers around are acting as the eyes and ears of the government or as undercover agents.

“Sometimes (we are) scared to talk about (things) related to government because they are around us,” he said.

Making its debut in the coming Cambodian general elections is the new Human Rights Party. It is an interesting addition to Cambodia's political landscape. The concept of a human rights party, for me, is a tremendously exciting idea. Other countries with similar human rights based parties include Albania, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Samoa.

The Cambodian Human Rights Party was founded by prominent human rights activist and former Senator Kem Sokha in July 2007. The party aims to change the Cambodian culture of having one-man-led political parties and claims to be the first party in the country to adopt a check and balance system.

"Our policy is nonviolence, political tolerance, and dialogue," said Sokha, as quoted by independent news portal Twin Cities Daily Planet.

"My message is that we want to bring power to the people and our party is different because we need to participation of the people."

Sokha asserts that his party is not seeking for unquestioning allegiance.

"After they understand and agree with us and not to push them to please to support us… not like the old parties that asked for support without educating them."

The 55-year-old leader of the Human Rights Party has pledged to implement a two, five-year term limits for the prime minister and advancing a government system based on laws.

According to the Twin Cities report, Sokha also favours a majority system as opposed to a proportional system that gives political parties more power than members of congress.

On a visit to the Human Rights Party office in Siem Reap, we found several men shuffling around a large wooden house decked with the party's green and white banners and flags. Once again, we noted the difference with the standard Malaysian campaign centres that is constantly buzzing with activity, party paraphernalia and food.

Johnny Khan, division chief of the Siem Reap area, is enthusiastic about public support for the party.

However, when pressed about his optimism when the country goes to the polls, he said "We don't know. If we lose, no problem, if we win, (we) just try to help the people."

Opinions may differ as to whether the CPP will retain its dominance or have its majority reduced. Whether the Human Rights Party and other opposition parties will make an impact in the coming polls remains to be seen. Will the 2008 Cambodian elections deliver an unexpected result as was the case in the recent Malaysian polls? Remember, prior to our own elections, the general sentiment was that the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition would continue to dominate. Whatever it is, be it a call for change or a call for continued peace, I hope that the voices of the Cambodians are heard loud and clear.

Meanwhile, how about a Human Rights Party for Malaysia?