Delegation of Nepal Observes General Elections in Cambodia

KATHMANDU, July 24: The delegation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, consisting of 14 members attended as international observers of the 23 July 2023 General Elections in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The delegation observed the pre-election White Day, a day before voting, and all the proceedings during Election Day.

Issuing a press release from Phnom Penh, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the delegation stated that they attended the briefing session on the Cambodian electoral system and procedures before Election Day and exchanged views with other local and international observers on the democratic and electoral system of Cambodia. 

The delegation’s assessment of the 2023 general elections in Cambodia was based on their direct involvement on the ground observing the electoral process before and on Election Day, including the opening and closing of polling stations and vote counting. 

On Election Day, the delegation visited several polling stations in Phnom Penh and witnessed the whole voting process, from the opening to the closing and vote counting, it is mentioned in the press release issued by the Head of the Delegation, KP Sharma Oli, who is also the former Prime Minister of Nepal. 

The election proceeded smoothly, orderly, and peacefully, and the voter turnout rate was high at their polling stations, it has been stated. In general, the delegation has mentioned that they observed that the voters were happy to exercise their rights to cast ballots confidentially without experiencing any intimidation and the local authorities concerned, including the police and security forces were on full alert and provided good security. 

The polling stations were equipped with adequate equipment and materials and staffed by trained polling officers. At the polling stations, there were observers from local NGOs and representatives from political parties. The vote counting was conducted openly and transparently, and the 2023 General Elections in Cambodia were free and fair, the delegation concluded.