A Change of Guard

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Wednesday 21 April 2010

The U.S provided $16 million to strengthen democracy in Cambodia


By Khmerization
Source: RFA

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has on Tuesday provided $16.2 million to three American NGOs based in Cambodia to carry out works to strengthen the democratic process in Cambodia, reports Radio Free Asia.

International Republican Institute (IRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Fund for Electoral Systems (IFES) will share the $16.2 million to help the Cambodian government strengthen the democratic process in Cambodia for a 5 year period from 2010 to 2014.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, who inaugurated the assistance project with U.S Ambassador Carol Rodley (pictured), applauded the assistance. "I am of the view that the projects that will be implemented in the near future go hands in hands with the political programs of the government that have been and is urging the involvements of all circles through consultation, devising policies, making plans and decision-making by the government to ensure prosperity and equity in Cambodia", he said.

Ambassador Rodley said democracy in Cambodia is still in its infancy, but urge the government to show more political will through determination and resolve. "Long-term outcomes from democratic reforms depend on the determination of the government, not through the enactment of the laws, regulations or through words, but through the show of political will and actions in the strengthening and implementation of the laws", she said.

The inauguration of the assistance projects, titled "Accountability in Governance and Politics", took place at a hotel in Phnom Penh under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and Ambassador Carol Rodley, with the attendance of Mr. Flynn Fuller, Director of USAID in Cambodia, representatives from IRI, NDI and IFES as well as local and international journalists.

Mrs. Mu Sochua, MP from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, said democratic process must involve future elections that are open and transparent. "The road toward future elections must be a process that is open and can ensure that all Cambodian people receive sufficient information, starting from the time of voters' registration. The most important thing is the voters' lists. Don't forget that in 2008, there were about 2 million people who weren't able to enroll and some who have enrolled but were not allowed to vote etc, etc", she said.

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