A new chapter in Cambodian politics has been written
for posterity. After one year of the boycott of the National Assembly by The
Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) since the July 28, 2013 parliamentary
election, the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the CNRP had struck an
agreement to end the political crisis. “The 22 July 2014 Agreement between the
CPP and CNRP” is a history in itself for a number of reasons.
First and foremost the “Agreement” lays out the
foundation for fostering democracy in Cambodia through institutional and legal
reforms of the legislative power in response to the need of a vibrant
electorate that is growing discontent with the “old ways of doing business” by
the established authorities entirely
controlled by the CPP. Voters gave 68 seats to the CPP and 55 seats to
the CNRP at the July 2013 national election, a result that strengthened the
bargaining power of the CNRP and denied the CPP of the usual domination. The
boycott of the National Assembly by the CNRP elected MPs since its inaugural
opening session under various allegations and accusations will end under this
“Agreement”.
Second and it is as important as the first reason is
the political will of Samdech Hun Sen Vice President of the CPP and Prime
Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) to finally hand down
democracy to the parliament and through the parliament to the people of
Cambodia at an opportune time when he sees fit, being that he is the
guardian of the security, the unity and the well-being of the Cambodian people.
Undoubtedly, “it takes two to tango,” meaning that it takes Samdech Techo Hun
Sen and His Excellency Sam Rainsy or more extensively the CPP and the CNRP to
strike a deal or to produce the “Agreement”, but the fact remains that without
the wisdom and the political will of Samech Techo Hun Sen, a true democracy
will go through periods of ups and downs, navigate between hopes and despairs,
breathe through confrontations and tranquility without certainties and
assurance of success for lag of leadership and insight. On the other hand a
destructive and populist democracy can be easily given to the crowd in the
street by irresponsible people.
Third is the unannounced fundamental reform of the
legislative power born out of the political “Agreement”. This is totally different from a large basket
of in-depth reforms announced by the RGC in September 2013. Here, credits must
go to the Cambodian politicians, CPP and CNRP alike. They “grasp the bull by
the horns”. They will work together in
the Parliament to solve national issues under the principles of democracy and
rule of law. Together they will reform the National Election Committee (NEC)
and the election procedures. Together
they will reform the National Assembly so that this important national
institution becomes independent and separate from the executive power. Voters
will have the opportunity to watch the legislative power at work. They will
demand transparency and openness of debates. They will see how the elected
officials of their party conduct themselves at work through live TV or radio.
July 22 is a day to remember. Will the stewardship of
Samdech Hun Sen Vice President of CPP leaves a legacy to the posterity that he
has played an important role in fostering democracy in Cambodia, contrary to
the vicious stigma of an authoritarian? The answer is YES, it will. Moreover
CPP and CNRP leaders deserve our full admiration and deep respect, because they
promised to dedicate their works for the
strengthening of democracy at the National Assembly under the articles
of this “Agreement” and then they will pass it through to the Cambodian people
under the process of structural and institutional democratization. Finally a
political character based on discussion, debate and compromise begins to take
shape between the holders of the legislative power from opposing political
parties who should have enjoyed the same equal rights, same stature of being
lawmakers, same exposure to the public eyes.
July 30, 2014
Professor Pen Ngoeun,
Advisor
University of Puthisastra,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia