Press Rase
Germany to support Election Observation in Cambodia
The German Government is providing support to the programme "Building confidence in
the 2008 National Assembly Elections Process in Cambodia" which is being carried out by
the Committee for Free and Fair Elections (COMFREL). COMFREL is in the process of
training and deploying up to 10.000 election observers for a maximum coverage of the
election on the day of voting on July 27, 2008. The aim of this effort is to strengthen voter
confidence so that the participation in the 2008 National Assembly Vote is considerably
increased in comparison to the Commune Council elections in 2007 where voter turnout in
some areas had been unsatisfactory.
Upon signing the Agreement supporting the project with approx. 35 thousand US Dollars
Ambassador Frank M. Mann declared, that with this contribution the German Government
wants to express its keen interest in a fair and free progress of the 2008 National Assembly
Elections in Cambodia. Free and fair elections are the prerequisite of a democratic society.
Only through free and fair elections a strong mandate can be bestowed on the members of
the next National Assembly.
Participants in the programme will have the possibility to learn about the underlying
principles of a democratic election and the organisational conditions which have to be in
place. " I hope that many young Cambodians will have the chance to participate in the
programme and to deepen their knowledge about democracy. I do hope as well that as
many Cambodians as possible will exercise their right to vote" Ambassador Mann said.
Phnom Penh, July 1, 2008
For more information call:
Koul Panha, Executive Director, COMFREL, at 012 942 017
German Embassy, No. 76-78, Street 214, Phnom Penh, Tel.: 023-216381; Fax: 023-427746
