SIGNS OF TROUBLE WATER AHEAD

Is Democracy in Cambodia officially dead?

If the result of the election stays as proclaimed joyfully by the CPP, then I can definitely assumed that our democracy is coming to a screatchy halt, if not at all dead. The NEC deserved a lot of credits in coming up with a scheme to help ensure the end-result of the election, an overwhelming victory by the CPP. The NEC did manage to keep most of the opposition supporters from voting by not including them in their voting lists, even when they had promised to include those eligible voters prior to election day. You see, it changed the whole equation - a scheme which has become truly one-sided in favour of the ruling party. This election is in no way free or fair by any reasonable standard. What a crooked job well done!

So much money and efforts have been poured into the country to establish democracy, promote human rights and freedoms. It has not succeeding, and there is a good chance now that it might even fail completely heading into the future. It is a tragic day for democracy in Cambodia. I fear that the next five and perhaps the next few decades, Cambodia will move toward a much more rigid regime where we will experience more political harrashments, more restrictions on individual freedoms and liberties, the press. I worry in many ways, the people's attitude within the government, their thinking, even on the constitutionality of things. It gave the government no reason or whatsoever to pass the long awaited anti-corruption laws. It might encourage more land crabbings activities, illegal prosecutions etc.. and etc..

The ruling party might feel that the next five years is a smooth sailing for them. However, for the country and the people of Cambodia there are plenty of signs of troubled water ahead. Just watch out and you will see them along the way.

I have never been critical of the West, but I am beginning to have some doubts even on my own government, United States of America, for not living up to its commitment to see this through, that democracy in Cambodia is vitally important for America and the West. America has overlooked and accepted many flaws, election after election, the unfair process of which the ruling party has turned into a one party domination. Uncle Sam never really, nor seriously gave us the democrats a decent chance of winning this election campaign. They did not help us as they should or could. It is a disappointment by far. If America is serious about democracy in Cambodia, then they must support the democratic movement any way they possibly can. They have not done their part and we are paying a price for carrying out their values and commitment. They will realize eventually, but by then it will be all too late as Cambodia is drifting down the lane of UNPLEASANTRY.

It is truly a sad week for the country, and for all democrats around the world. I, for one.