Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - ERA raises concerns for voter registration

ERA raises concerns for voter registration

People wait in line at a voter registration station in Phnom Penh this week to register ahead of the upcoming elections. Photo supplied
People wait in line at a voter registration station in Phnom Penh this week to register ahead of the upcoming elections. Photo supplied

ERA raises concerns for voter registration

A recent military show of force and a politically motivated road blockade may have had the effect of deterring eligible voters from registering, the Electoral Reform Alliance (ERA) has said.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the ERA, a coalition of NGOs in Cambodia, urged that any such actions cease during the three-month voter registration period in order to ensure free and fair elections.

“A day before the registration started, there were several helicopters flying, the transportation of commando forces in trucks, and military speed boats at river without prior notice,” the statement reads, referring to the “military exercises” deployed near the opposition party headquarters where acting president Kem Sokha is avoiding arrest, and to a police blockade of National Road 2 on Monday to prevent lawmakers from delivering petitions to embassies.

“This is a scene that could affect the feelings and freedom of travel of the people to register,” the statement continues.

Comfrel executive director Koul Panha said it was crucial voters had freedom of movement without fear. However, NEC spokesman Hang Puthea said the process was on track, with more than 1 million voters now registered.

National Police spokesman Kirth Chantharith yesterday expressed regrets over Monday’s traffic jam, but claimed police were in fact attempting to divert and ease traffic, adding Tuesday’s grenade blast could also spark fear and police were working to catch the culprit.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.