The Japanese government is continuing to support the elections here, quoting rather similar reasons to China. I do hope they're not being racist.


“It is of utmost importance to have [this] year's national election reflect the will of Cambodian people,”

Japan to Continue Electoral Aid to Cambodia, Despite US, EU Withdrawal

2018-01-04


Japan will continue to provide electoral aid to Cambodia in the lead up to Senate elections next month and a general ballot in July, the country’s foreign ministry said Thursday, despite recent announcements by the U.S. and EU that they will withdraw their support amid restrictions on democracy.

Prime Minister HE’s government arrested opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) chief Kem Sokha in September on charges of “treason,” and two months later the Supreme Court ruled to disband his party for allegedly planning a “rebellion” with backing from Washington, essentially eliminating any challenge to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) ahead of votes this year.

In recent statements, the U.S. and EU said the moves against the opposition—as well as a months-long crackdown on NGOs and the media—had called the legitimacy of Cambodia’s upcoming elections into question, and cited them as the basis for withdrawing electoral support and placing trade agreements with Cambodia under review.

But Japan, which along with the EU is the largest funder of Cambodia’s 2018 elections, told RFA’s Khmer Service Thursday that it has no intention to pull its electoral aid ahead of the votes.

“It is of utmost importance to have [this] year's national election reflect the will of Cambodian people,” Kaori Tanabe, first secretary of Japan’s embassy in Phnom Penh, said in an email.

“Japan will keep dialogue with RGC [the Royal Government of Cambodia], will monitor the development of the situation closely with strong interest, and will continue to provide electoral reform assistance.”

Japan has already provided Cambodia’s National Election Commission (NEC) with computers to assist with the ballots and has faced criticism of its continued support from observers, such as New York-based Human Rights Watch.

The world’s fourth largest foreign aid donor with an annual budget of nearly U.S. $10 billion, Japan donated 17.3 billion yen (U.S. $153 million) in loans, 8 billion yen (U.S. $71 million) in grants, and 3.4 billion yen (U.S. $30 million) in technical cooperation to Cambodia in 2015.

In addition to electoral support, Japan also provides Cambodia with a variety of aid for projects including infrastructure improvement, humanitarian assistance, and business development.

HE has repeatedly stressed that his country does not need foreign governments to fund its elections, or international recognition of their legitimacy, saying acceptance by Cambodians is sufficient.

He has also said that he will continue to welcome aid from China, which is poised to overtake the U.S. as the world’s top foreign donor, and which is currently Cambodia’s largest international aid provider.

China typically offers aid to countries without many of the prerequisites that the U.S. and EU place on donations, such as improvements to human rights.

President of Cambodian rights group Adhoc Thun Saray told RFA Thursday that Japan’s reluctance to tie electoral support to a reversal of the ongoing political crackdown is likely part of a bid to shore up its waning influence in Cambodia, as HE improves ties with China.

“Japan used to have much influence in Cambodia in the early 1990s, but that is no longer the case, thanks to recently strengthened Cambodia-China relations,” he said

http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodi ... 43534.html

cambodian rich live off the back of cambodians poor.

Beerinthemorning wrote: ↑Fri Jan 05, 2018 6:46 am cambodian rich live off the back of cambodians poor.

The rich everywhere live off the back of the poor, not just in Cambodia. It is alaw of the universe, same as gravity.

pczz wrote: ↑Fri Jan 05, 2018 8:54 am

Beerinthemorning wrote: ↑Fri Jan 05, 2018 6:46 am cambodian rich live off the back of cambodians poor.

The rich everywhere live off the back of the poor, not just in Cambodia. It is alaw of the universe, same as gravity.

Yea, we all know that gravity sucks towards the center of the earth.

I consider the Japanese reaction to be quite like this. They are a 'true' democracy aren't they? With people getting voted in and out? If not losing their posts disgraced by corruption at times.

Abc123 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 05, 2018 1:09 pm I consider the Japanese reaction to be quite like this. They are a 'true' democracy aren't they? With people getting voted in and out? If not losing their posts disgraced by corruption at times.

Sorry we talking about Japan or Trumptown?

Japan pledges $7.5 million for Cambodian elections despite legitimacy concerns
21 February 2018
Amid widespread international condemnation of Cambodia’s upcoming elections, Japan pledged an additional $7.5 million worth of equipment for the July polls this morning.

The grant, signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn and Japanese Ambassador Hidehisa Horinouchi, will provide “ballot boxes as well as other necessary equipment,” according to a press release.

“Japan's continued assistance to Cambodia, as a whole, and to the National Election Committee, in particular, represents Japan's commitment to help the Kingdom of Cambodia to achieve economic growth and sustainable development,” the release continues.

In November, the only viable opposition party – the Cambodia National Rescue Party – was dissolved by the Supreme Court for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government, and its leader Kem Sokha was imprisoned in September. The accusation was slammed by much of the international community as a fabricated pretence to cement power for the ruling Cambodian People's Party.

The US immediately withdrew funding for Cambodia’s elections, and the European Union followed suit soon thereafter. Calls by rights groups and opposition figures for Japan to do the same have been ignored...
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/j ... y-concerns

Tokyo’s envoy urges free and fair elections in Cambodia
By Sopheng Cheang | AP March 23 at 5:53 AM

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — An envoy of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Cambodia on Friday for talks on regional issues and bilateral cooperation, also touching on the July election that critics say will be neither free nor fair.

Kentaro Sonoura was scheduled to hold talks Friday with Prime Minister HE, the long-serving autocratic leader whose government recently dissolved the main opposition party in a serious blow to democracy.

A Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Sonoura told Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn of Tokyo’s desire to see a free and fair election.

Chum Suonry said Sonoura expressed no wish to interfere in Cambodia’s internal affairs while he also wants to see Cambodia have a good relationship with the entire international community.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/as ... 8c8558ebc0