Royal pardon statement

Cambodia’s Royal Pardon for Sam Rainsy Is a Step on the Road to Democracy

*Reform of the National Election Committee Remains to Be Addressed

I am most grateful to King Norodom Sihamoni for granting me the pardon that allows me to return to Cambodia and contest elections set for July 28. This is a step in the direction of Cambodian national reconciliation on the basis of democracy.

I know that I have never done anything wrong.  I would have returned even in the absence of a pardon to highlight the condition of democracy in my country. My return is no more than a step on a long journey towards achieving self-determination for Cambodia. Free and fair elections are an essential element of any democracy worthy of the name. The National Election Committee, controlled by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, has been identified by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Surya P. Subedi, as requiring overhaul before democracy worthy of the name can be said to exist in Cambodia. The mere fact of my return does not create a free and fair election for Cambodia, as promised in the Paris Peace Agreements, and does not advance NEC reform.  

In the short time that has been made available, I hope to be able to meet my fellow countrymen to discuss their concerns and to hold discussions with leaders of all political parties on the best way foward for Cambodia.

Sam Rainsy