CALD Discusses Political Stalemate in Cambodia

A forum on Cambodia’s ongoing political crisis and various proposals for its resolution was held on 11 April on the sidelines of CALD General Assembly 2014 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.  The event, coincidentally, took place during the period when the Cambodian government is (desperately) trying to forge an agreement with the political opposition in time for the Khmer New Year.

Three distinguished resource persons shared their thoughts on how to move forward from the current political stalemate: Khim Sophanna, Program Manager of Friedrich Naumann Foundation Cambodia Office; Nay Vanda, Deputy Head of Human Rights and Legal Aid, Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC); and Lao Mong Hay, Chief of Legal Unit, Center for Social Development.

In his presentation, Khim provided a background on the recent political crisis, which can be traced to the July 2013 general election and the questions regarding its credibility.  He also related the results (or lack of it) of the ongoing negotiations between the government and the political opposition, as well as his thoughts on the possible ways forward.  In the end, he expressed his optimism that a political compromise can be reached that would be acceptable to both parties.

Vanda, like Khim, also highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the two main protagonists in the conflict – the Cambodian People’s Party and the Cambodian National Rescue Party.  More importantly, he pointed out the consequences of the ongoing stalemate, as well as the possible (violent) scenarios should the crisis persist.  In conclusion, he suggested the following as possible ways forward: reform of electoral bodies and processes; political amnesty for those who committed abuses; and power-sharing arrangements that accommodate the two major parties.

Lao, a delegate to the 1993 Paris Peace Accords, went deeper into the roots of the conflict by highlighting the routine human rights violations and abuses of the incumbent government.  He also related how Prime Minister Hun Sen is utilizing the classic “divide-and-rule” tactic by sowing discord between Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, with the Prime Minister implying that he and Sam Rainsy already reached an agreement, but the main stumbling block to it was Kem Sokha.

“There was no such agreement.   There is no way we can forego our demand for reform of election commission and holding of early elections.  Our people expect nothing less“, said Mu Sochua, Cambodian parliamentarian and one of the key figures of the Cambodia National Rescue Party.