Cambodia’s History of Voting Irregularities: What to Expect in July’s Election

Cambodia: Past Vote Irregularities Foreshadow July Election

Analysis of 2022 Commune Voting Suggests Tampering, Improper Counting

Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the upcoming national elections in Cambodia, following a systematic analysis of the 2022 commune elections. The analysis indicates that there were numerous irregularities and that election fraud and vote tampering may have occurred. The National Election Committee (NEC) has been called upon to adopt measures to ensure the fair tabulation of votes in the upcoming national election. However, the NEC has not yet responded to these allegations.

The irregularities found in the 2022 commune elections raise questions about the credibility of the NEC, particularly as the commune elections are often seen as a testing ground for the national elections. The discrepancies revealed in the analysis of the ballot forms from Phnom Penh polling stations are especially concerning. For example, in the 2022 election, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 99.9 percent of the polling places in Phnom Penh, compared to 33 percent in the 2017 elections. Additionally, there were reports of widespread intimidation of opposition party observers and limited access to vote counting in Phnom Penh during the 2022 election.

Concerns and Implications

The irregularities identified in the analysis of the 2022 commune elections suggest significant flaws in the electoral process. The fact that the basic numbers on the official forms do not add up raises concerns about whether vote totals were purposefully manipulated. The absence of non-ruling party-aligned observers in nearly half of the polling places further undermines the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

These findings are especially troubling given the NEC’s decision to block the registration of the Candlelight Party, the sole major opposition political party, from participating in the national elections. This decision violates international human rights law, which requires elections to reflect the will of the voters through genuine periodic elections held by universal and equal suffrage and secret ballot. Furthermore, the recent physical attacks on opposition party members and the hasty amendment of election laws to restrict opposition and non-voters demonstrate a curtailing of civic space and a departure from democratic principles.

Advice and Way Forward

As the national elections approach, it is imperative for the NEC to address the serious irregularities identified in the analysis of the 2022 commune elections. The committee should publicly explain these irregularities and outline the steps being taken to prevent similar problems in the upcoming national election. Transparency and accountability are crucial for maintaining the trust and confidence of the Cambodian people.

International donors must recognize that the irregularities and affronts to the democratic process in Cambodia are not anomalies but rather reflect a government that cannot be considered a democracy. Donors should use their leverage to push for electoral reforms and the creation of a conducive environment for free and fair elections. Additionally, international organizations, such as the United Nations, should closely monitor the electoral process and raise concerns about any violations of human rights and democratic principles.

Ultimately, the people of Cambodia should not be deprived of their right to participate in an open and fair electoral process. The upcoming national elections should be an opportunity for the Cambodian people to express their will and have their voices heard. It is crucial for all stakeholders, both domestic and international, to work towards creating a democratic and inclusive environment where citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and without fear.