(Unofficial Translation)
Declaration of the Royal Government of Cambodia
Since February 2, 2002, the Royal Government of Cambodia has noted that our compatriots as workers of both sexes who left their native villages to make their livings in Phnom Penh as well as in other areas have hurriedly returned to their native residences in order to cast their votes with pleasure.
On February 3, 2002, from early morning, in each and every voting station, our eligible voters, men and women alike, have turned out in large number to vote in a free and self-determination manner in accordance with their own will.
During the voting day there has been an atmosphere of stability, security, without threats, pressure and violence that may affect the voting procedure, even though a small number of voting stations have been suspended provisionally due to technical difficulties.
On behalf of the Royal Government and on my own behalf, may I express my great pleasure and appreciation for the conduct of the election from the beginning till the final success.
May I express my appreciation once again to the National Election Committee (NEC), the Commune Election Committee at provincial, municipal, and communal levels, Sub-Committees on Security of NEC, all levels of local authorities and the armed forces for the efforts they made, physically and spiritually, in their responsibilities for the destiny of our nation through their active participation and safeguard of security allowing the elections to take place in a very good environment.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to all political parties for their active campaigns in seeking for supports from our people based on law and democratic procedure.
Even though the elections have come to its closure according to schedule, we still have more work to do and will continue till the National Election Committee officially declares the results of the elections.
In order to strengthen legitimacy, to promote dignity and national honor, and for all political activities to proceed in a transparent and sincere manner, on behalf of the Royal Government and on my own behalf, I wish to appeal to the authorities of all levels and the armed forces to continue to enhance constant vigilance and take all measures for the sake of strengthening stability and security. Every efforts should be made in preventing threats, violence or revenge by any individuals in post election period so as that human rights are guaranteed and promoted.
I am making appeal to all political parties to take patience to their utmost and recognize with pleasure the results of the elections, without causing conflicts. Both those political parties that gained the majority of votes and those that gained less votes, must cooperate with one another refraining from use of insults, provocative remarks, bitter words, etc. as all of these could lead to violent conflicts and other negative phenomena resulting in loss of security and public order. As for any negative phenomena or irregularities that could happen in the elections, may all the political parties take patience to their utmost so that the National Election Committee can exercise its competence in resolving them according to the principles of transparence, fairness and free from interference and pressure.
I wish that all candidates – both women and men – who get elected would express their affection and understanding to those who failed. This spirit will create a cooperative atmosphere in their local development in accordance with the aspiration of the people who are the masters of their votes and to prevent confrontation and violence of all forms.
May I offer my instruction to the current commune chiefs, assistants, and deputies to stay calm and be prepared for a smooth transfer of power and communal governance tasks to the new commune councils. This may include also the safeguarding of the material base of the state and the respect of the election results.
We all have to recognize and understand that the new power to lead and govern the communes is the results of elections that have been conducted generally, directly and confidentially in a free, fair and just manner within the framework of each commune.
I wish all voters taking part in the elections — both those who win the most and less — to score successes on the path of democracy and peace.
We all are winners, so is our nation.
Phnom Penh, February 3, 2002
Prime Minister
Hun Sen
