Wednesday, 30 July 2008

International election monitors say Cambodia poll 'flawed'

EU monitors outside a polling station during Sunday's election. [Radio Australia]

Radio Australia

International election monitors in Cambodia say despite improvements in processes the country's recent national election was flawed and did not meet key standards.

A preliminary report by 130 European Union election monitors the poll was marred by the ruling Cambodian People's Party domination of media coverage.

Also the improper deletion of people from registration lists so they could not vote, and other irregularities.

Martin Callanan, who led the EU observers says ultimately, it's up to the Cambodian people to accept or reject the results, adding that the EU will issue a more detailed report with recommendations in October.

He says the campaign was generally conducted in a more peaceful and open environment compared to previous elections.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted lower violence from previous elections but says it observed threats, intimidation and inducements directed against political activists to get them to change parties.

A partial count by Cambodian electoral authorities shows Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party won 59.6 percent of the vote in Sunday's election, compared with nearly 21 percent for the nearest rival, the opposition Sam Rainsy Party.

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