Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople expressed his hopes for a free and fair General Assembly election in Cambodia on 27 July 2003, saying it will “contribute to ASEAN’s vision of becoming a community of peaceful, prosperous, and stable societies.”

He noted that this forthcoming election is indicative of Cambodia’s steady progress on the path to development as a modern democratic society, overcoming in the process of legacy of 30 years of almost continuous warfare, violence and destruction throughout the country.

The newly-constituted National Election Committee (NEC) announced that 23 political parties are competing in the elections, including the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CCP), its coalition partner FUNCINPEC, and the opposition San Rainsy Party. Voter regristration increased to 6,341,834 names.

Secretary Ople welcomed reports that the NEC is working in lose collaboration with all stakeholders, regularly meeting with Cambodian and international partners, and undertaking measures to ensure that all political parties have equal access to the media. “It is vital that the elections are determined to be so credible so that the leader who will be chosen by the people will have mandate to chart Cambodia’s future during these times of challenges and opportunities.”

The Philippines has been a consistent supporter of  Cambodia’s move towards a more democratic society after its horrific recent history. The Philippines was a member of the ASEAN Troika that contributed to the restoration of political order in the country, following an outbreak of conflict in 1997. The Philippines also sent 10 electoral observers to the 1998 General Assembly elections. Although once again invited to monitor this year’s elections, the Philippines is unabe to send monitors due to preparations for its own elections in 2004.