Published: 26-Jul-13 08:34AM | By William E. Todd,
I am very encouraged by the continuing interest in this column. Week after week, readers offer thought-provoking questions for discussion, and this week is no different. With the elections in just a matter of days, several readers have essentially asked, “What do the 2013 elections mean for Cambodia?”
On July 28, millions of Cambodians will fulfill one of their most important civic responsibilities by heading to the polls and exercising their right to vote. Voting is the very essence of democracy and a crucial right that no one should take lightly. Cambodians deserve the right to choose freely who they want to represent them in their government. As U.S. President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision.”
But what is it about voting that makes it so important? The short answer is that the decisions the Cambodian people will make on Sunday will determine the direction of their country for the next five years. The candidates who win the elections will have the power to impact almost every aspect of Cambodian daily life in ways big and small. The elected officials will determine how much money the government will spend on such important areas as health, education, infrastructure, and national defense. Cambodia’s elected leaders will also make decisions on critical issues like minimum wages, land distribution, security, and the environment. Therefore, I urge all Cambodians to seize this opportunity to vote so that your elected officials will better understand the will of the people. On July 28, millions of Cambodians will fulfill one of their most important civic responsibilities by heading to the polls and exercising their right to vote. Voting is the very essence of democracy and a crucial right that no one should take lightly. Cambodians deserve the right to choose freely who they want to represent them in their government. As U.S. President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision.”
History has shown that democratic governance with free and fair elections is the best method for ensuring that government is responsive to the needs and desires of the people. I firmly believe that the best way to build a strong, enduring democracy is by involving the most people possible in the electoral process – through campaigning, asking questions of the candidates, and ultimately making an informed decision when voting. An enduring democracy requires more than just holding an election every few years; it requires the active participation of all citizens. Parties and candidates need to explain to the public the details of their platform – what they would like to do if elected – and voters need to educate themselves on which party or candidate best represents their own beliefs for how the government should run the country. Then, after the elections, it is again the citizens who must hold their officials accountable for delivering on the promises that the majority of the population voted for in the election.
From the beginning of the current official campaign period, I have been very impressed by the tremendous level of enthusiasm everyday Cambodians have shown for this round of national elections. The energy and optimism found at the numerous rallies around Phnom Penh and the rest of the country have been exciting to see. I commend the hundreds of thousands of people who have participated in these events for taking such an active, and peaceful, role in the political process. It is clear that, although Cambodians may support different political parties, at the end of the day, they are all united in their love of their country.
An often-heard expression in the United States is that “people get the kind of government they deserve,” which implies that voters must take seriously their responsibility for choosing their elected officials. Every vote can and does make a difference. And remember, even if the party you vote for does not win, your vote still matters because it lets all of Cambodia know what you think is important for the country’s future.
These elections represent an important opportunity for Cambodia to accelerate its development as a secure, independent, and prosperous country that respects human rights and the rule of law, maintains mutually beneficial relations with its neighbors, and helps strengthen international peace and security. I look forward to working with the Royal Government of Cambodia, civil society, and all Cambodian citizens to build upon these elections for a prosperous and lasting democracy. The people of Cambodia deserve nothing less.
As always, you may send your questions and comments to me in English or Khmer at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov, and of course, you can follow my blog at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd/.
William E. Todd is United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
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