Democracy, elections and reform in Cambodia 2016

The report measures and assess the status of Cambodia's democracy on three factors (democratic governance, democratic space and democratic elections), by adopting qualitative method and relying on primary and secondary research findings from COMFREL's (Government Watch, Parliamentary Watch, Media Watch and Election Watch) programs managed by its Advocacy and Monitoring Unit, and from the Election Reform Alliance (ERA). It was found that the political atmosphere remained very tense throughout 2016, due to a close defeat of the CNRP in the 2013 national election and a failure of the political reconciliation between the CPP led government and the main opposition. By the end of 2016, 24 opposition members and supporters including two lawmakers remained in custody. The legislative process was dysfunctional because of the political tension and opposition. The democratic space continued to shrink, especially freedom to assembly and association and freedom of expression.