Die dritten Parlamentswahlen in Kambodscha

Abstract

The democratization of Cambodia is a major challenge for the national political elite and the International Community in their efforts to consolidate the peace process after a protracted civil war between 1970 and 1991. Free and fair elections are perceived as an important step in this process. This study examines the last parliamentary elections in July 2003. They saw improvements in administration and organization, but also an ongoing deep polarization between the parties. Apart from flaws of the election system, political violence, biased media and partial election commissions at the provincial and local level call the democratic character of the elections into question. Political instability prevails in Cambodia and a new government has still to be formed.