The US State Department- Daily Press Briefing [Elections / Concern for Irregularities / Full and Transparent Investigation]

Jen Psaki

Spokesperson
Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC

July 29, 2013

QUESTION: Can I just ask you about the – your take on the Cambodian election over the weekend?
MS. PSAKI: Mm-hmm. Sure. Well, let me first say that the United States commends the Cambodian people for their active and peaceful participation during the Cambodian national election. We urge all parties and their supporters to continue to act in an orderly and peaceful manner in the post-election period.
We are concerned by numerous reported irregularities in the electoral process. We have consistently called on the Royal Government of Cambodia to addresses systematic flaws – systemic flaws, such as problems in the voter registry and unequal access to the media. We call for a transparent and full investigation of all credible reports of irregularities.
QUESTION: Okay. Does that mean that you do – that you support the opposition’s call for some kind of a special inquiry?

MS. PSAKI: Well, we will be closely monitoring, of course, the information released – let me just say this, because I wanted to add it – by the National Election Committee. We have seen – and in light of the reported irregularities, we call for a full and transparent investigation that will be reviewed as credible by the Cambodian people. It’s not about supporting one call, it’s about the fact that we did have concerns about reported irregularities, and we believe that, of course, the Cambodian people should have confidence in the outcome of the election.
QUESTION: Okay. And sorry, I think you slightly just misspoke. You meant that will be viewed by the Cambodian people and not reviewed, right?
MS. PSAKI: Viewed. Sorry. I added an r-e there. My apologies.
QUESTION: Viewed by the Cambodian people as transparent.
MS. PSAKI: Yes.
QUESTION: Okay.