The Cambodian elections remain the most popular topic
of interest to readers, many of whom have asked, “What is the latest
U.S. position on the elections?” So I am very happy to take this
opportunity to continue dialoguing with readers about this historic moment in Cambodia’s history.
Once
again, I commend the Cambodian people for their active and peaceful
role in this pivotal moment in Cambodia’s democratic development. As
the world watches Cambodia work through its procedures for resolving the
electoral outcome, I urge all parties and their supporters to continue
their work to build Cambodia’s democratic future through mutual dialogue
and to ensure an atmosphere that is calm, peaceful, and non-violent.
In keeping with the spirit of a fair and transparent democratic process,
the United States urges the leaders of Cambodia’s political parties to
work together for an outcome that serves the best interests of the
Cambodian people.
As we continue to reflect on the elections,
one undeniable lesson from the process is the vital role that the youth
of Cambodia are beginning to play in their country’s social and
political development. The passion Cambodian youth displayed for the
democratic process by turning out in great numbers to campaign and vote
was inspirational. Since then, the Embassy’s Facebook site and my blog
have received literally hundreds upon hundreds of posts from Cambodian
youth expressing their views about the elections, their opinions about
the country’s development, and their hopes and aspirations for the
future.
During my time in Cambodia, one of the highlights of my
work has been meeting with Cambodian youth in many different settings
around the country. I am able to talk with them on university campuses,
while visiting development and community projects, and at youth
events. I also sit down once a month with my exceptional Youth Council
to discuss important issues of the day. These opportunities to hear
directly from Cambodia’s young people have instilled in me an
understanding of just how deeply they care about the direction their
country is taking and their desire to be active participants in shaping
Cambodia’s future.
Cambodian youth consistently tell me of the
importance they attach to democracy and to their freedom to express
their opinions and concerns. They implicitly understand that the only
way a government can be responsive to the aspirations of its people is
if the people can make their voices heard. As the recent elections
showed, social media is playing a central role in allowing the youth to
express themselves. In this age of Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube,
and smart phones, young people are instantly connected to a worldwide
audience and feel freer than ever before to say what they think.
We
have seen this firsthand with the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook site, which
we hope will soon surpass 100,000 fans. The attraction of social media
is that it enables a two-way dialogue, something that traditional media,
like television, cannot do. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy works hard to
connect with its fans through content that appeals to young Cambodians
and responding to their postings. During the election campaign, I
noticed several candidates from various political parties also using
Facebook to lay out their platforms and engage the youth population.
This form of communication will only continue to grow in significance
and could serve as a vital medium through which government officials
solicit ideas and feedback on the issues important to the youth, such as
education, environmental protection, and job creation.
Like
their counterparts around the world, Cambodian youth care passionately
about their country. They are the future of Cambodia, so it is
essential to have their active participation in the democratic and
political process in order to harness their energy and ideas in the
service of the nation’s progress.
As always, I look forward to
reading the questions and comments you send me, in English or Khmer, at
AskAMBToddPP@state.gov. You can also follow my blog at
http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd/.
William E. Todd is United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
- See more at:
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