Letter to the Editor

Editor's Note: Khmerization had received a comment from an anonymous reader. It is a very fair comment so I decided to publish it. Here it is:

Dear Khmerization;

Just purely from a personal point of view - am not a political expert, not belonging to any political party.

Let look at the current political parties in Cambodia.

FUNCIPEC: internal conflict has driven to overthrow of its former leader Rannariddth. Did poorly in 2008 election comparing to 1998 [though then Rannariddth was the leader]. Another poor result for the party during the commune election 2007. Claimed that party will do better without the former leader but cloud of doubts remain - if the party can still hang on to those remain seats in NA.

NRP: Freshly established after the overthrown from party leader of FUNCIPEC. Nowaday, self imposed exile in Malaysia, is waiting and wishing for royal pardon so can return and enter political life again. Had no impact during the commune election 2007. Claimed to have plenty of grassroots level supporters. Doubtful if there will be any impact.

HRP: May be a new party but the founder are not new to people, claimed and aiming for leading in contestant with CPP [saying the recent defection by SR senior members would shake the foundation of SRP and giving his party a chance to win]. Another doubtful candidate to turn table around his way. Prediction: would be very lucky if HRP can secure 3 seats in NA for the first shot.

SRP: Aiming for land slide victory [may be possible if SR play his trump card right subject to his policy during this up coming campaign] But the current internal problems would not help much [too many senior members defected and former party tried hard to get Mrs. Mu, questions remain to be asked if Mrs. Mu and secretary general can really sort out their differences].Based on 1998, 2003 general election and 2007 commune election, can see that SRP will gain more seats [of course remaining seats of FUNCIPEC in NA will be inevitably splitting amongst CPP and SRP, may be 2/3 basis to either side] but doubtful for land slide victory.

CPP: Need 8 more seats to set up government by themselves without having to ask FUNCIPEC as junior partner. One concern is taking into consideration also was the low turn out during the commune election, and my personal opinion, will not help SRP or any minority party.

By Anonymous