Democratic Progress in Cambodia
and the 2008 National Assembly Elections

Sponsored by:

The Asia Foundation

Supported by:

People’s Forum on Cambodia, Japan

Time:

January 10, Thusday, 2008
13:30 - 16:45 Presentation and Panel Discussion (consecutive interpretation provided)

Place:

International House of Japan, Lecture Room

Since 1993 the Kingdom of Cambodia has held two national assembly elections, two commune council elections and a Senate election with the strong support of the international community. The next national assembly elections is scheduled for July 2008. Some observers believe that after 15 years of elected government, Cambodia has progressed along the democratic path sufficiently enough that further election assistance from the international community should be re-examined. Others note the continuing practical and political challenges to a free and fair electoral process. They believe that neutral domestic and international observers remain the only credible source of oversight.

The Asia Foundation, with the support of the People's Forum on Cambodia, Japan, is sponsoring a seminar to examine the current state of Cambodian democracy and election preparations and exchange views on what role the international community can play in supporting the 2008 poll..

Panelists and Moderators (Alphabetical order)
Roderick BRAZIER / Country Representative, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Cambodia Office
EM Sophath / Member, National Election Committee (NEC)
KOUL Panha / Executive Director, Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia (COMFREL)
KUMAOKA Michiya / Co-Representative, People’s Forum on Cambodia, Japan (PEFOC,J)
YAMADA Hiroshi / Director General, People’s Forum on Cambodia, Japan (PEFOC,J)

Program:

13:00-13:10　Opening Remarks
Allen Choate / Vice President, Partners in Asian Development, The Asia Foundation


13:10-14:40
Presentation Session
“Current State of Cambodian Democracy and Preparations for the 2008 Parliamentary Elections”


Presenter:
Roderick BRAZIER / Country Representative, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Cambodia Office
EM Sophath / Member, National Election Committee (NEC)
KOUL Panha / Executive Director, Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia (COMFREL)

Facilitator for Q&A session:
YAMADA Hiroshi / Director General, People’s Forum on Cambodia, Japan (PEFOC,J)

14:40-15:00　Coffee Break

15:00-16:30　
Panel Discussion“Role of the International Community in 2008 Elections”


Moderator:　
KUMAOKA Michiya / Co-Representative, People’s Forum on Cambodia, Japan (PEFOC,J)

Panelists:
Roderick BRAZIER / Country Representative, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Cambodia Office
EM Sophath / Member, National Election Committee (NEC)
KOUL Panha / Executive Director, Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia (COMFREL)
YAMADA Hiroshi / Director General, People’s Forum on Cambodia, Japan (PEFOC,J)

16:30-16:45　Closing Remarks
TASAKA Koa/ Co-Representative, People’s Forum on Cambodia, Japan (PEFOC,J)

Materials：
Profiles of Panelists and Moderators
Speech by EM Sophath (Member, National Election Committee (NEC))
Speech by KOUL Panha (Executive Director, Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia (COMFREL))
Presentation by KOUL Panha (Executive Director, Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia (COMFREL))
Speech by Roderick BRAZIER (Country Representative, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Cambodia Office)
Presentation by Roderick BRAZIER (Country Representative, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Cambodia Office)