In the name of the Royal Government, I have the honor to inform monks, the armed forces and our compatriots that on the forthcoming July 27, 2008, there will be a major political event for the nation and people of Cambodia. It will be the general elections of the fourth legislature of the National Assembly, which reflect rapid and steadfast advance by Cambodia on the liberal pluralistic democratic path.
The historic event will certify the progress of democracy in the Cambodian society that the people of Cambodia have full rights in choosing their leaders through regular elections in a free, fair and just manner. I would also like to recall that the general elections have been held three times already. First, it was held in 1993 under the organization and preparation of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). The second and third elections were held in 1998 and 2003 respectively. In 1998, the general elections were organized by Cambodia itself for which the international observers evaluated its preparation and process to be the miracle on the Mekong. The 2003 elections were also appraised to be even better than the 1998 elections.
The Royal Government frequently reaffirms its determination to guarantee the elections to be free, fair and just in an environment of security, safety, and good public order while maintaining social and political stability during and after the elections. On behalf of the Royal Government I would like to place an appeal to all competent authorities at all levels, all political parties, civil societies and compatriots in the whole country to kindly implement the following instructions from the first day of the elections campaign – June 26, 2008 through to the announcement of the electoral results:
1. The security forces and authorities at all levels, the communal councils and village heads included, must guarantee their independence and neutrality in fulfilling their tasks and roles with responsibilities before the law aimed at ensuring a political environment of peace, security, safety, confidence and enthusiasm for everyone.
2. The security forces and authorities at all levels must continue to further cooperation with the National Elections Committee, committees and entities in charge of preparation of the elections for the sake of maintaining security, safety, public order, while taking strict measures to prevent in a timely manner all actions that would create social instability as well as all forms of tricks aimed at obstructing the electoral process.
3. The security forces and authorities at all levels must conduct a review and take preemptive measures for crackdown in a timely manner on all likely incidents and actions, including robberies, intimidations, threats, violent and criminal actions physically inflicting or endangering parliamentary candidates, activists and propagandists of political parties, national and foreign observers, electoral officials and voters. Those committing any actions of the above mentioned forms must be punished according to the laws irrespective of rank, role or inclination with political parties.
4. The civil society, non-governmental organizations, representatives of political parties, national and foreign observers and people as a whole should take part, cooperate and provide support to the authorities and competent entities in safeguarding security, public order, while providing relevant information on offenders, threats and irregular activities by rogues, who aim to poison environment in the stage of electoral campaign and during the elections.
5. All political parties participate in the elections should compete in faith, dignity and honor on liberal democratic basis and rule of law, correctly and seriously respecting and implementing all laws, orders and procedures defined and the ethical conducts applied in the elections, while accepting the electoral results that reflect the will of the voters.
6. All people should uphold dignity, patience, flexibility, forgiveness, and understanding that are outstanding identities of our nation. All problems must be resolved by peaceful means, refraining from resorting to violence, exercising mutual respect, and self-confidence in making decision choosing the party that one likes free from coercion, pressure and threat.
I have a strong belief that with the close cooperation and in the spirit of understanding, forgiveness and responsibility, while placing national interest higher than those of political parties, we will make the elections free, fair, just, and violence-free in response to the real aspiration of the voters./.
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