Dispatch of a Governmental Election Observation Mission for the General Election in Cambodia

July 3, 2008

The Government of Japan has decided to dispatch a governmental election observation mission, comprising about 25 members, for about 10 days from July 20 for the General Election (National Assembly Election) in Cambodia to be held on July 27 (Sun), 2008. The head of the mission will be Mr. Hitoshi Kimura, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. Mr. Kimura will hand over the letters of commission to the members of the mission on July 16 and thereafter will arrive in Cambodia on July 25.
During its stay in Cambodia, the mission will observe the election campaign, the voting and the counting process.
It will be the fourth general election since the first one held by the United Nations after the Paris Peace Agreements of 1991. The upcoming election is noteworthy as its fair conduct will demonstrate the development of democracy in Cambodia.
As a “peace fostering nation” which comprehensively contributes to peace and development in the international community, Japan has proactively supported the peace process in Cambodia and its reconstruction thereafter. Therefore, Japan’s participation in the observation of this general election and providing necessary assistance are expected to promote democracy in the country.
The Government of Japan contributed about three million US dollars as assistance for the general election of the counterpart funds of the Japanese non-project grant aid, and about 148,000 US dollars through the grassroots human security grant aid projects to train the electorate.

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