UN envoy urges fair polls in Cambodia

Agencies/Phnom Penh

Visiting UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights to Cambodia Surya P Subedi has appealed to all political parties and the election body to do everything in accordance with law in order to ensure that July’s general election would be free and fair.

“I once again urge all parties and National Election Committee to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections,” he said at a press briefing after a one-week fact-finding mission on the human rights situation in Cambodia. “All sides should play by the rules, demonstrate maturity in debate, and not engage in insulting games. “

The envoy also urged for fair and equitable access to the state media and the strict prohibition of use of state resources by any political party during the election campaign, Xinhua reported.

Moreover, he appealed to all sides concerned to refrain completely from exploiting racial sentiments to garner support for their election campaign. “I will continue to monitor the electoral system and process in the country,” he said.

Cambodia is scheduled to hold a general election on July 28, according to the National Election Committee.