Staying the Course: Peaceful Democracy in Action

By William E. Todd: 22-Sep-13

Thanks to this column’s incredible readership, we have been able to explore some very timely and relevant issues to Cambodia.  The questions and comments have been excellent, and I see that no one has held back.  Please continue sending your questions, even your toughest ones, to me at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov. 
 

What the great American sportswriter Grantland Rice said about sports is equally true of politics, “When the great scorer comes to write against your name, He marks not that you won or lost but how you played the game.”  Over the past week the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have played the game well by beginning a dialogue -- the essential element to putting democracy in action.  We applaud the wise encouragement of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni which led the parties to meet three times over four days to work together towards a resolution.  Chanthou from Takeo province asked, “What are the next steps towards resolving the political impasse?”  The simple answer is:  Dialogue, dialogue, dialogue.  To illustrate why this is so crucial, it would be helpful to look at what Cambodia has accomplished in the last several months.
 

As I said in last week’s column, I am an optimist and I believe that progress and positive change are happening in Cambodia.  In June, both sides campaigned aggressively to put their messages before the voters in the lead up to the national elections, and the campaign remained largely free from violence and intimidation that characterized earlier elections.  Following the election, there have been a number of protests marked by non-violence and responsible, restrained policing.  It is true that the CPP and the CNRP have yet to reach a settlement.  Success, however, is not only measured by the result.
 

The road has not been easy.  Last Sunday’s demonstration was overshadowed by the tragic killing of a young father, Mr. Mao Sok Chan, and the wounding of others on the Monivong Bridge.  On behalf of the U.S. Embassy community, our sympathies go out to the victims and their families.  It is perhaps such tragedies as these that serve to underscore the importance for a peaceful and nonviolent resolution to the current political impasse.  We further believe that only a thorough and transparent investigation can help leaders and society to learn from the tragedy and prevent it from occurring again.


Despite setbacks, both sides are learning to put democracy in action.  Three times last week the CPP and the CNRP demonstrated a willingness to engage in a dialogue by listening to each other and considering each others’ demands.  On Monday, the opposing sides agreed to end the violence, reform the national election system, and continue their dialogue.  When two parties set aside their differences and agree to sit across the table for a meaningful discussion, they demonstrate a respect for democracy that should be commended.  The Cambodian government, by allowing the opposition to voice its concerns through peaceful demonstration – a key form of expression in any democracy – showed restraint and flexibility that encouraged a constructive dialogue.  The CNRP likewise successfully organized a large yet peaceful demonstration in Phnom Penh.  King Sihamoni recognized the importance of dialogue when he requested that the two parties meet face-to-face to resolve the impasse.  Such discussions are far from simple.  As Winston Churchill said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak, courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
 

The parties will resolve this impasse through dialogue, discussion, and a commitment to non-violence.  It is important to remember, however, that the dialogue is not only between the leadership of the two parties.  It must include the people of Cambodia.  The resolution, in whatever form it takes, must unite the country, not divide it.  It must provide the political space for a meaningful opposition, where new ideas are proposed and dissent given voice.  The new government also will need to undertake the necessary political and social reforms to ensure that every voter’s voice is heard, including Cambodia’s youth, for they are the future of this great country.  As I noted last week, meaningful reform of the electoral system, access to media, and programs for the youth are critical.  Some reforms, such as improving the procedures and composition of the National Election Commission, can be done immediately. The United States urges the leaders of Cambodia’s political parties to continue to work together for an outcome that serves the best interests of the Cambodian people.  This moment in Cambodia is not a challenge but an opportunity to improve democratic processes and implement meaningful reforms which strengthen the rule of law and increase respect for human rights.


In closing, I think it is important to remember that the word “democracy” literally means “rule of the people.”  As the parties continue to negotiate, they need to remember that they represent, not a party or ideology, but the entire country, both those who voted for them and those who did not.  The United States is no stranger to partisan politics, but the key is focusing not on the things that divide you but on the things that unite you.  As President Barack Obama said when he spoke against the partisanship of modern politics, “There are no red [Republican Party] states or blue [Democratic Party] states, just the United States.”  At the end of the day, the great country of Cambodia is not made up of CPP Cambodians or CNRP Cambodians, but of all Cambodians.