Also posted at www.modernprogressivekhmer.blogspot.com The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) decisively won the election. On July 27, 2008 Cambodia held its fourth Parliamentary Election in 15 years. Although 11 political parties participated in the election, CPP managed to capture 90 seats out of 123 according to official result. This means even without the 2006 constitutional amendment to change the requirement from a super majority to a simple majority (50+1) to form a government, CPP could have easily met the former requirement.
If democracy is only about elections, Cambodia shows an impressive progress considering the country had just emerged from decades of wars and conflicts. Democracy, however, is much more than elections though they serve as important processes. Rather, the principles and practices are characteristics necessary to determine whether a nation is democratic. While I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to CPP for its impressive victory, I have lingering concerns as to what political progress will this victory bring. As CPP is poised to form a new government, its actions after the election will determine the direction of the country. CPP is credited for the country’s impressive economic progress. As an optimist, I hope that CPP will take this golden opportunity to addressing these important political issues. Political Liberty is core of a democracy. The U.S. would not be the way it is now if the founding fathers failed to incorporated the Bill of Rights in the constitution. According to John Stuart Mill, liberty is “the protection against the tyranny of the political rulers.” The first ten amendments of the U.S constitution practically restrict the power of government and protect individuals’ liberty. The current Cambodian constitution recognizes citizens’ rights, but it fails to restrict the power of government. There is a thin line between tyranny and democracy. Restricting the power of government and a devotion to creating a well-ordered society by all where no one is above the law will push Cambodia rapidly toward democracy. This is also a perfect time for CPP to set term limit for office of the prime minister. The U.S did not impose term limit for president until the ratification of 22nd amendment in 1947. Most countries allow their prime ministers to serve without term limits; Cambodia under CPP should take this bold step by making term limit as a permanent part of the constitution. CPP has to look beyond this transitional period. The country must keep changing to progress. With term limit, the country knows and expects new policies and new ways of governing after a leader’s term limit is expired. Even if the country keeps voting for the same party, at least term limit will provide opportunities for other capable members of that party to serve the nation. With term limit, the country also will depend on the rule of law to change a leader rather than depends on the mercy of a leader to relinquish his/her power. The checks and balances are also very important in a democracy. Perhaps, the framers of the Cambodian constitution overlooked this important issue. In a unitary system, as oppose to the federal system, Cambodian government wheels tremendous power. Realistically, there is no separation of power between different branches of the government. Therefore, currently there are no checks and balances. CPP happens to be the winner this time around. What would CPP do if it were to become an opposition party? As Cambodia becomes more developed, it is conceivable that country’s political landscape will also change and can change drastically. This is the right time to make sure that there is reflective equilibrium that provides ample opportunity for opposition parties to participate in political deliberation process to provide the much needed checks and balances. If election in a democracy is a way in which a political party justifies its legitimacy to govern a nation, CPP should use this people’s mandate to create a legacy for all citizens – not just for CPP - that last from one generation to the next. Political liberty, term limit to the highest office in the nation, and legitimate checks and balances that encourage political oppositions a continued cooperation will be the most precious legacy that a political party or an election can offer. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Cambodia Discussion (CAMDISC) - www.cambodia.org" group. This is an unmoderated forum. Please refrain from using foul language. Thank you for your understanding. Peace among us and in Cambodia. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/camdisc Learn more - http://www.cambodia.org -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
