SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES PROGRESS IN CAMBODIA ELECTORAL PROCESS, EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ACCESS OF OPPOSITION PARTIES TO MEDIA

15 July 1998

Press Release
SG/SM/6640

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES PROGRESS IN CAMBODIA ELECTORAL PROCESS, EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ACCESS OF OPPOSITION PARTIES TO MEDIA

19980715 Reports of 'Intimidation' Also Cited; Government Urged to Take Steps For Freedom of Assembly, Integrity of Voting, Impartiality of Officials

This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

Less than two weeks before the elections, the Secretary-General welcomes the progress achieved in the electoral process in Cambodia. He notes with satisfaction the freedom of movement and access accorded to international observers, as well as the guarantee of the security of all observers, both foreign and domestic, given by the Royal Government of Cambodia. At the same time, he remains concerned by discrepancies in access enjoyed by opposition parties to the media and by persistent reports of intimidation and impunity.

The United Nations remains committed to rendering all possible assistance to Cambodia in its task of holding free and fair elections on 26 July 1998. An electoral process which is transparent and credible should ensure the broad acceptance of its outcome by both winners and losers, the consolidation of democracy and real progress towards reconciliation. It should also enable Cambodia to resume its full role as a member of the international community.

In view of the great importance he attaches to these elections, the Secretary-General urges the Royal Government and the National Election Committee of Cambodia to:

-- Ensure continued freedom of assembly and expression and foster an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation;

-- Take all possible measures to reassure the voters of the secrecy of the ballot. The recent broadcast of a message by H.M. King Sihanouk on both television and radio is welcome, but much remains to be done by the authorities to assure the confidence of the electorate;

-- Enable, henceforth, impartial news coverage on television and radio of the political activities of the main parties and candidates, including opposition parties;

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-- Take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the voting, ballot counting and appeals procedures; and

-- Ensure that all election officials and police and security forces behave in a completely neutral and impartial manner throughout the final days of the electoral process.

The Secretary-General appeals to all parties and candidates to conduct the remainder of their campaigns in a peaceful, democratic and mutually respectful manner in accordance with the Cambodian Constitution and the law.

The Secretary-General offers his sincere wishes to all Cambodians as they take part in their first nationally organized elections in recent times.

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