PHNOM PENH: Japan donated over 10,000 ballot boxes for Cambodia's 2018 election on Wednesday, the primary world help for the vote after European Union and the United States withdrew their support following the dissolution of the main opposition birthday party.
Rights groups and contributors of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have prompt overseas backers, together with Japan, to halt funding for Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC)following a Supreme Court choice to dissolve the CNRP at the government's request.
But final month Japan, which is one of the biggest funders of Cambodia's elections, said it will continue to supply electoral help within the lead as much as Senate elections this month and a basic election in July.
At a ceremony on Wednesday, Japan's ambassador to Cambodia, Hidehisa Horinouchi, said the NEC was short of new ballot boxes to exchange those given by Tokyo 20 years in the past.
"These ballot boxes are a symbol of Japan's aid for democracy in Cambodia and I hope these ballot boxes will provide lasting benefits for holding future election smoothly," Horinouchi said. "I hope Cambodia ... achieves an election that reflects the true will of the people."
The Japanese ballot boxes had been value $7.5 million.
"Our Japanese friends have never abandoned us," NEC's Chairman Sik Bun Hok advised journalists on Wednesday.
The daughter of CNRP opposition chief Kem Sokha, who has been jailed on treason fees, prompt Japan to provide an explanation for its support for the July election.
"Japan has to explain to at least half of the entire Cambodian population why it is supporting an artificial election," Kem Monovithya advised Reuters.
Cambodia wishes 30,000 ballot boxes, said Sik Bun Hok, adding that Chinese apparatus for the general election, together with ballot boxes and booths, was because of arrive in March.
China is Cambodia's greatest help donor and its backing has strengthened veteran Prime Minister Hun Sen within the face of complaint of over what his combatants say amounts to his destruction of democracy. Hun Sen is expected to extend his 33-year rule at the elections.
Rights groups and contributors of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have prompt overseas backers, together with Japan, to halt funding for Cambodia's National Election Committee (NEC)following a Supreme Court choice to dissolve the CNRP at the government's request.
But final month Japan, which is one of the biggest funders of Cambodia's elections, said it will continue to supply electoral help within the lead as much as Senate elections this month and a basic election in July.
At a ceremony on Wednesday, Japan's ambassador to Cambodia, Hidehisa Horinouchi, said the NEC was short of new ballot boxes to exchange those given by Tokyo 20 years in the past.
"These ballot boxes are a symbol of Japan's aid for democracy in Cambodia and I hope these ballot boxes will provide lasting benefits for holding future election smoothly," Horinouchi said. "I hope Cambodia ... achieves an election that reflects the true will of the people."
The Japanese ballot boxes had been value $7.5 million.
"Our Japanese friends have never abandoned us," NEC's Chairman Sik Bun Hok advised journalists on Wednesday.
The daughter of CNRP opposition chief Kem Sokha, who has been jailed on treason fees, prompt Japan to provide an explanation for its support for the July election.
"Japan has to explain to at least half of the entire Cambodian population why it is supporting an artificial election," Kem Monovithya advised Reuters.
Cambodia wishes 30,000 ballot boxes, said Sik Bun Hok, adding that Chinese apparatus for the general election, together with ballot boxes and booths, was because of arrive in March.
China is Cambodia's greatest help donor and its backing has strengthened veteran Prime Minister Hun Sen within the face of complaint of over what his combatants say amounts to his destruction of democracy. Hun Sen is expected to extend his 33-year rule at the elections.
Japan donates ballot boxes worth $7.5 mn for Cambodia election
![Japan donates ballot boxes worth $7.5 mn for Cambodia election]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
February 21, 2018
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