The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Geneva squarely dismisses the fallacious, politicised and one-sided remarks dated June 2, 2022 of the Spokesperson of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Ms. Liz Throssell ahead of communal elections in Cambodia, according to the Mission’s press statement.
Below are just a few highlights proving that her comments are far from flawless.
1. The timing of her comments is questionable after a reported attempt by a political element to sabotage the said voting had failed. Based on the daily assessment of the National Election Committee (NEC), the electoral campaign over the past thirteen days has generally been held in a secured, safe, orderly and peaceful atmosphere free from intimidations. During the said period, including the closing date, all political parties, including opposition ones, have fully exercised their rights in line with the laws and registered schedules without any threats and obstruction.
2. The Spokesperson’s claim that some candidates have faced restrictions and intimidations is unwarranted. The complaints among the electoral contenders reflect their mature and legitimate exercise of democracy and fundamental rights. They should not be construed as reprisal and obstruction against certain groups. The right to participate in public affairs does not equate to the right to falsify documents, to slander and insult, and to incite discrimination, violence and hatred. An affiliation with a political party is not a license to break the law with impunity.
3. The Spokesperson’s allegation that opposition candidates are reluctant to register complaints is erroneous. The fact is that while she was speaking ill of Cambodia, the NEC ruled in favour of a protest lodged by an opposition candidate to cancel a monetary fine levied on him. The NEC also decided to reserve the right to vote and stand for election of 15 opposition candidates, who reportedly offered cash to others during the electoral campaign stage.
4. The Spokesperson’s statement is indeed fraught with flawed and selective particulars. She did not recognise the truth that at least 32 former opposition leaders had their political rights reinstated with many having formed additional six political parties to challenge the ruling party in the said poll. Instead, her entity has condoned the blatant violation of political rights by Mr. Sam Rainsy, who branded those seeking the political rights rehabilitation as “traitors”.
5. The Spokesperson’s observance of the principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity comes into question. Her narrative endorsed one specific party as the current main opposition one in Cambodia, thus underestimating many others. Moreover, an absence of one political party in the voting, due to its violation of the laws, does not detract Cambodia from pluralism. Regardless of the results, an indisputable fact is that voters are able to choose one among the 17 political parties already inscribed in the contest, whose equal political rights and dignity, whether large or small, must be respected.
6. It is incumbent upon the OHCHR to deliver its mandate in conformity with its founding UNGA Resolution (A/RES/48/141), placing the OHCHR to function within the UN Charter and under the obligations to respect sovereignty and domestic jurisdiction of the states. Genuine cooperation without any hidden agenda is expected from all UN agencies whose role is to support, not interfere in internal affairs of the member states.
“To conclude, the Kingdom remains steadfast in pursuing its irreversible democratic journey with pluralism, including the elections this year and next, in a free, fair, orderly, peaceful and transparent manner,” underlined the Cambodia Mission.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press