Cambodia: after allegations of ballot fraud by opposition parties, observer says fraud ‘impossible’
National observer Nong Buntheng has stated that it is impossible that fraud had been committed in Sunday’s Commune / Sangkat elections.
Speaking at the press conference of national observers on Monday (Jun 6) at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Mr Nuon stated “I observed that the NEC acted in accordance with the legal procedures, I also observed the ballot counting process.”
His statement was made in response to allegations made by some political parties – chiefly the Candlelight Party – that there were suspicions of ballot fraud.
Representatives of the associations who participated in the election observation denied the Candlelight Party’s allegations which stated people were being harassed and intimidated during the election process.
International observers also confirmed that the communal election nationwide was conducted in a free, fair, inclusive, peaceful, transparent and safe environment.
According to the National Election Committee (NEC), more than 7.3 million people came to vote among the 9.2 million registered voters, an equivalent of 80.19 percent.
The election was observed by 72 local institutions, organizations and 19 international communities, along with delegations from the embassies of Japan, Australia and Russia in Cambodia.
SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES