Cambodian military, police officials violates neutrality law – Watchdog
Phnom Penh, July 12, 2018 (dpa/NAN) Cambodian military and police officials are “actively campaigning” for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) in the run-up to July 29 elections in violation of Cambodia’s law requiring political neutrality, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.
A statement by HRW on Thursday said that senior members of the security forces have publicly endorsed Prime Minister Hun Sen and the CPP before and after the campaign period began on July 7.
Cambodia’s law governing the armed forces says military personnel must remain neutral and prohibits the use of functions, titles and state materials for “serving any political activities” as well as the public expression of political beliefs.
“Basic democratic principles require the political neutrality of the military and police for elections to be free, fair, and credible.
“But nothing about this election is democratic, so it is hardly a surprise that the CPP is using senior commanders as ruling party campaigners,” said Brad Adams, HRW’s Asia director.
The CPP is expected to handily win the election this month, as the largest opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was banned last year from participating, following the arrest of its president, Kem Sokha, on widely criticised charges of treason. Sokha denies the accusation.
Hang Puthea, National Election Committee (NEC) spokesman, said NEC regulations allowed military and police officers to campaign on Saturdays and Sundays between 12 – 2 p.m. and 6 – 10 p.m.
“However, they were not allowed to wear uniforms, carry firearms or use their position to advocate for a party,’’ he said. (NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Silas Nwoha