Democratization is a journey that requires participation from all stakeholders. 
After having experimented with liberal democracy for more than two decades, 
Cambodia has begun to realize that democracy is the underpinning upon which 
peace and development thrive.

In spite of internal and external upheaval, Cambodia's democracy has proven to 
be quite resilient and it may prove to be a role model in the Mekong region if 
the nation continues to consolidate its democratic institutions and values.

Although there have been some setbacks along the way, democratization in 
Cambodia has been evolving in a positive way. Cambodia's democratic landscape, 
which includes numerous political parties with various platforms and 
orientations, civil society organizations, trade unions and a multitude of 
media outlets, is far more vibrant than that of many other countries in the 
region.

Cambodia continues to adhere to its constitutional multi-party democratic 
system. There have been six general elections and four sub-national elections 
with high rates of voter turnout. Many political parties have participated over 
the years. 20 signed on for the 1993 vote, 39 were on the ballot in 1998, 23 
came forward in 2003, 11 in 2008, 8 in 2013 and 20 were in the running in 2018. 
The fifth sub-national elections are to take place in May of 2022 and the 
seventh general election is slated for July of 2023.

Civil society organizations are important political actors. More than five 
thousand local and international non-governmental organizations have been 
actively working on a wide range of issues, from human rights and democracy to 
climate change and community development. More than four thousand trade unions 
are working actively to protect the interests of workers.

The democratic space in Cambodia is expanding in tandem with the proliferation 
of the public sphere. Traditional and non-traditional media have markedly 
contributed to political debates, have helped to keep the power of government 
in check and have held political leaders more accountable to the electorate. 
The middle class is an emerging driving force of democratic change and public 
intellectuals are shaping discourses and narratives of democracy and good 
governance. The Asian Vision Institute (AVI) believes that these vibrant forces 
will keep Cambodia on the path to progress. There are bumps in the road but 
checks and balances continue to improve.

Political distrust is a condition that affects all nations. AVI encourages 
political parties to engage in useful dialogue within and without their ranks. 
They must learn to accept criticism, to tolerate differences, to accept 
opposing views. A healthy democratic culture depends on this. Political and 
social cleavages are threats to democracy. The media have a moral 
responsibility to publish the views of all parties in order to assuage social 
and political tension.

The current generation of political party leaders must build and reinforce a 
foundation of trust, upon which reconciliation and national unity will grow. 
AVI believes that democracy thrives when people from all walks of life actively 
and constructively participate in the process.

Narrowing the divide between the so-called elites and the grassroots is 
critical to safeguarding and consolidating democracy. Cambodia, as a young 
democracy, has a promising future. We must embrace democratic governance and 
continually educate our people about their role and duties as citizens in a 
democratic society. Everyone must contribute. Hope, compassion and trust will 
move mountains.

The Asian Vision Institute (AVI) 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2752342-1&h=448907124&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asianvision.org%2F&a=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asianvision.org%2F 
is an independent think tank based in Cambodia.

For further information: Dr Chheng Kimlong, Phone: +855-6121-1800, Email: 
admin@asianvision.org

SOURCE  The Asian Vision Institute