Some media and public figures blame the opposition party for its heavy criticism

of the ruling party and consider this a major factor for delaying the formation of

a new government.

Being intolerant of any criticism is a step backward for freedom of expression, for

which Cambodia has sacrificed so much in the past.

Cambodia is a nation that built Angkor Wat and should never again move backward to

the culture of intolerance as occurred under the Khmer Rouge regime.

During the negotiation process, if China had not shown its support early to Prime

Minister Hun Sen, the ruling party would have been under more pressure to form a

coalition government in order to receive foreign aid.

Look at other elections in democratic countries like the US and Canada. Canada will

have an election on June 28, where I can see political parties are free to criticize

each other, including saying "the other party is not nationalist".

All manner of scandals are brought up and everyone is still alive by talking.

Ana Nov - Sauve Scholar McGill University Montreal, Canada