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EU stands ready to assist Cambodia's recently-formed election body: official

Xinhua, May 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Union (EU) stands ready to support Cambodia's recently-formed National Election Committee (NEC) in its reform process in order to ensure free and fair elections in the future, a senior EU official said Friday.

Speaking at a press conference marking the conclusion of his 10- day mission to Cambodia, Director for Human Rights and Democracy at the European External Action Service Silvio Gonzato said his mission was to show EU's continuing support to the Cambodian government in reforming its electoral process.

"Cambodia is at a critical juncture in its electoral history. There is a window of opportunity for the country to take real positive steps in improving its electoral process and in strengthening the democratic process," he said. "The EU stands ready to support the country in this task."

During his mission in Cambodia, Gonzato had met with a wide range of Cambodian and international stakeholders, including the NEC, government representatives, political parties and civil society organizations.

In a statement released at the press conference, the mission said the NEC is facing many challenges ahead, notably the establishment of a new professional secretariat, the setting up of independent electoral structures at the provincial and commune levels, and the adoption of new, streamlined regulations and procedures which will guide the electoral process.

The mission also noted some concerns about various articles of the new Law on the Election of Members of the National Assembly, including those relating to transparency in the financing of electoral campaigns, offenses by political parties, and the role of civil society in the electoral process.

In addition, the mission emphasized that the voter registration process is a critical issue.

The new NEC was officially established last month after Prime Minister Hun Sen, vice president of the ruling Cambodian People's Party, and Sam Rainsy, president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, reached an agreement on July 22 last year to end the opposition's 10-month boycott of parliament following the 2013 elections.

Its nine-member leadership comprised four people chosen by each party, and one "neutral" person, who is not related to political parties. Endi