PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations issued a statement on June 18, denying the accusation from the UN Human Rights High Commissioner that Cambodia has failed to establish a conducive environment for a free and fair election next month.

“Cambodia’s commitment to a multiparty democracy and promotion and protection of human rights remains steadfast,” the statement read, citing the “6,000 NGOs and nearly 2,000 media outlets operating freely without censorship or restriction” as evidence.

The statement directly addressed the exclusion of the major opposition Candlelight Party from the general election, noting that 18 other political parties are registered to participate and that the absence of two parties does not affect the democratic process in Cambodia. It also referenced the exclusion of the Khmer National United Party based on the same documentation criteria as proof of non-discrimination.

In regards to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s proposed election amendment, which would ban anyone who does not vote in this election from running for office in the future, the High Commissioner called it a violation of Cambodia’s Constitution, saying, “[it] would constitute an overbroad restriction on the right to freedom of expression and a breach of the right of all citizens to stand for election.” The Cambodian Mission called this statement “prejudicial and unwarranted”, asserting that leaders should be exemplary citizens who vote in order to stand for election.

Cambodia’s message to the UN Human Rights office finished by recalling the UN mandate of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.