The
Cambodian People Network for Peace (CPNP) which is consisted of 149
Non-Government Organizations, Associations and Trade Unions in Cambodia wishes to
draw the attention of the national and international opinions that the Sam
Rainsy Party (SRP) Commune Council Members could have been forced to swear that
they must vote for the SRP only and their freedom of expression is intimidated
with the warning that they could have ordered to turn in their hand phones to
the SRP on 28 January 2012, just one day prior to the Senate Election.
According
to unofficial but reliable information from SRP sources revealing that recently,
Sam Rainsy, the opposition party leader has categorically ordered via overseas
teleconference forcing the SRP Commune Council Members to swear that they must
vote only for the SRP and their hand phones must be turned in on 28 January
2012, one day prior to the Senate Election, as the ways to express their
loyalty to the SRP.
Concerning
this unlawful act of abusing the basic principles of rule of law by Sam Rainsy
towards the SRP Commune Council Members, the CPNP is of the view that:
1.
Forcing SRP Commune Council Members to
swear that they must vote for SRP is regarded as an act of dictatorship of Sam
Rainsy and a clear violation of basic human rights based on the principles that
the decision to vote for or not to vote for a party or another party is the
fundamental rights of the people guaranteed by the Constitution of the Kingdom
of Cambodia, Article 38, which stipulates that the principles of the rule of
law are to protect life, honor and dignity of the people. Violations of these
principles and any act of coercion must be absolutely prohibited.
2. The
actions of the leader of the opposition party are in full contradiction with
the democratic principle given that the power belongs to the people, by the
people and for the people, and this power does not belong to any particular
individual, nor can it be violated by anyone or any group.
3. Forcing
SRP Commune Council Members to turn in their hand phones to SRP means removing
their rights of expression which is regarded as distrusting its members. In so
doing, SRP Commune Council Members could have been fearful as their rights to freedom
of expression and communication were deprived similar to that of Pol Pot Regime.
Overall,
the CPNP regards that forceful threats and warnings by Sam Rainsy towards SRP
Commune Council Members without respecting democracy and human rights is Sam
Rainsy act of treason of people’s will who are the owners of the votes.
Phnom Penh 27 December 2011
