PRESS RELEASE TI Cambodia welcomes the end of the political dispute between the CPP and the CNRP and their commitment to key reforms and hopes that subsequent meetings and discussions will lead to tangible and meaningful results Phnom Penh, 23 July 2014 – Transparency International Cambodia (TI Cambodia) welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday between the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), where both parties have expressed their will to work together in parliament and jointly undertake reforms within key institutions. In particular, TI Cambodia is very pleased to read in the parties’ statement released yesterday that a commission of investigation and anti-corruption will be established within parliament. TI Cambodia believes that this new commission holds great potential to strengthen the enforcement of the anti-corruption law and conduct oversight of the government’s anti-corruption performance, which will foster transparency, accountability and social justice. TI Cambodia also welcomes the parties’ commitment to reform the National Election Committee, the National Assembly’s internal rules and procedure and how leadership roles in the National Assembly will be divided, moving towards a system with more checks and balances. TI Cambodia believes that the announced rebalancing of powers between the ruling party and the opposition among all these institutions will promote greater accountability. “The deal between the two parties opens a window of opportunity for enhancing democracy and accountability. But since the agreement lacks substance and precision it is too early to say how much improvement and what tangible changes will actually come out of this deal”, said Preap Kol, Executive Director of TI Cambodia. TI Cambodia noted that the language of the agreement remains quite vague. For instance, while the parties’ statement says that some key institutions are to be reformed, there is no mention of which institutions are referred to. TI Cambodia believes that priority should be given to the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Unit and the National Audit Authority, along with other core state institutions. Other critical aspects that are expected to be included in the parties’ agreement are issues pertaining to the independence of the media, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. As the parties continue to discuss and work together, TI Cambodia recommends that they consider imposing a two-term limit on the Prime Ministership. “Setting a two-term limit for the Prime Minister would be a most welcome step towards enhancing democracy and reducing the risk of abuse of power”, said Rath Sophoan, Chairman of TI Cambodia’s Board of Directors. TI Cambodia sincerely hopes that the parties’ on-paper commitments will translate into tangible and meaningful results and urges the two parties to work out the details of their deal in an open and transparent manner. Public participation must be allowed throughout the process to ensure that the reforms occur in the interest and benefit of the whole society. ### Transparency International is the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption Contact: Transparency International Cambodia, Mr Kol Preap, Email: [email protected] - Phone (+855) 012 877 833
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:12:04 +0000
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