Geneva: 4 August 2023 – The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Geneva expresses profound dismay at the recent personal views expressed by certain Special Rapporteurs on Cambodia's national elections. The Mission contends that these statements contain erroneous information and reflect a selective and biased assessment of the situation. Key factual observations are brought to light in response to these assertions. According to a press statement from the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.

Firstly, the Mission emphasizes that the "so-called experts" have disregarded the record-breaking turnout of 84.59% in the national elections. This substantial voter participation stands as a clear testament to the trust placed in the voting process by the Cambodian people, demonstrating the country's commitment to its young yet advancing democracy. The high voter turnout also served as a strong rejection of extremist opposition factions' calls for electoral boycotts and smear campaigns, which aimed at undemocratic regime change. Regrettably, the Special Rapporteurs chose not to acknowledge these undeniable facts, raising concerns about their impartiality and underlying motives.

Secondly, the Mission highlights that Cambodia's voting process featured 18 contesting political parties, underscoring genuine political pluralism and equal opportunities for all within the bounds of the law. Adherence to the Cambodian electoral law is strictly mandated, and any violations carry appropriate consequences, as would be expected in any law-abiding nation.

Thirdly, the allegation that the national elections prompted major international concerns is rebutted by the presence of 422 international observers from 65 nations and 61 institutions, alongside 60,000 political parties' agents and 90,000 independent national observers. This extensive monitoring confirmed the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, leaving doubts about the objectivity and perception of the aforementioned Special Rapporteurs.

Fourthly, the Mission asserts that independent monitoring teams have attested to the free, fair, transparent, peaceful, inclusive, and lawful conduct of the elections. The professionalism and independence of officials and institutions overseeing the poll were duly recognized, further supporting the legitimacy of the process.

Finally, the Mission categorically denies the baseless claim that the Prime Minister of Cambodia had any intention to transfer power to his eldest son. This assertion reveals a lack of understanding or a deliberate refusal to comprehend the legal procedures governing the Kingdom. The appointment of the Prime Minister strictly adheres to a rigorous democratic process at the party, electoral, and parliamentary levels.

In conclusion, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Geneva firmly rejects the statements made by the Special Rapporteurs and strongly reminds them to adhere strictly to the established Code of Conduct and the Manual of Operations of the Special Procedure Mandate Holders. Repeated violations of these guidelines may jeopardize Cambodia's trust and future cooperation with the Special Rapporteur mechanism. According to a press statement from the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.