Things Cambodian voters still worry about

Chan Thim, a law student at the National University of Governance (NUM), shared that if nothing changes, 18 political parties in Cambodia will participate in the upcoming general election (July 23), and they have all announced their political platforms. However, this student is only interested in the policies in the political platform of the Cambodian People's Party and also highly appreciates these policies. Of note, the policy of reforming the Cambodian education system, through the policy of one public school per village, is worth noting. Chan Thim confided: "Of course, we have to improve the Cambodian education system, because education is everything, the key to development, without education there will be nothing."

Chan Thim, a law student at the National University of Management of Cambodia (NUM). Photo: KT/Tep Sony

At the same time, Chan Thim also expressed the view that, in addition to other top priority areas, the CPP also needs to have a more superior policy to improve the domestic agricultural sector if the CPP continues to win the election. Most Cambodians earn their living from farming, so agriculture still plays an important role in the structure of the Cambodian economy.

A group of students from the University of Science and Health Sciences said that the Cambodian People's Party is a major political party in the country and the political platform of the Cambodian People's Party is attracting the attention and support of many voters. This group of medical students all affirmed that under the leadership of the CPP, Cambodia has been enjoying peace, with stable life, economy and politics. "We really appreciate the wise leadership of the Cambodian People's Party, they have initiated many effective projects that have brought great benefits to the country. The CPP has truly brought us peace," the group of students shared.

“However, we think that there is still a great need for more effective programs and policies that focus more on improving the health system in the country”; “our current health system is still not up to international standards and we have to improve it”, one of them suggested, referring to the health system in Cambodia.

They also suggested that the government should invest in building more public hospitals to soon cover all localities across the country, and it would be especially effective if every one or two villages were arranged with a medical center to serve the people. “This will allow people living in rural areas to access timely and effective medical services. Currently, we only have one medical center for each district or commune. Along with that, the issue of service quality at hospitals also needs special attention,” the group of students noted.

Expressing his respect and appreciation for the CPP leader’s ability to “steer” the country, Ka Chan, a resident of the capital Phnom Penh, said: “I really care about the policies of the Cambodian People’s Party. I only trust Prime Minister Hun Sen, Interior Minister Sar Kheng and other CPP leaders who can fulfill their election promises. I really trust them.” Ka Chan added that the country needs to continue to maintain economic stability and called on the government to focus on policies that make it easier for people to do business, especially paying attention to street vendors who need financial support from the state.

Paying special attention to issues that directly affect his livelihood as well as many others, Buth Phearum, a taxi driver in Phnom Penh, suggested that the CPP-led government should focus on coming up with solutions to stabilize fuel prices despite the uncertainties in the world market.

“Of course I understand that stabilizing gasoline prices is a hot topic worldwide, but if it can do that, CPP will be truly excellent,” Phearum expected.

Phearum believes that only the CPP can lead Cambodia to maintain development, stability and peace.

The above are just some of the shares and confessions of some voters with Khmer Times. But through that, we can see that the Cambodian people have always recognized and appreciated the country's achievements under the leadership of the CPP over the past time. However, they also frankly expressed their wishes and expectations for the superiority of the CPP's strategic policies if they win the upcoming election.

Conquering the "hearts of voters"

CPP, as a ruling party for the past 44 years, has always been proud to be the main factor bringing peace and independence to the Cambodian people, which has been achieved through many ups and downs. With strong support from the people over the years and understanding the existing values, CPP will continue to focus on policies to maintain peace, stability, promote prosperity and modernize the country...

President of the Cambodian People's Party, Prime Minister Hun Sen delivers a speech launching the election campaign for the 7th National Assembly in Cambodia. Photo: CPP

This was further demonstrated in the campaign launch speech of the party’s President, Prime Minister Hun Sen. Accordingly, the top priority policies if the CPP continues to win the election are to always adhere to the policy of firmly protecting peace, independence, political stability, socio-economic development, and taking the people as the center.

Prime Minister Hun Sen affirmed that people's rights are always respected, protected and promoted; other priority areas such as economy, society, culture, education, health care and employment are increasingly given attention and proper investment; people's lives are constantly improved both materially and spiritually.

Prime Minister Hun Sen also emphasized that the goal of improving people's lives is extremely important, a premise for realizing the CPP's vision of turning Cambodia into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed country by 2050.

In his campaign message, General Hun Manet, the CPP’s future prime minister candidate, outlined the core goals of the CPP-led government’s policies in the past, present and future. “The policies of the CPP-led government over the past 44 years have focused on only three core goals: Life, stomach and face,” he said.

He explained "life", for the life and survival of the nation, the CPP was determined to liberate the Cambodian people from the brutal genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge, unite towards national reconciliation, paving the way for revival, peace and stability.

“Stomach” here means that the people enjoy a prosperous and happy life, and are taken care of in all aspects of life. General Hun Manet especially emphasized the concern for people’s livelihoods through government support in social issues, education, living conditions and public health care services.

Meanwhile, “face” implies granting rights and freedom to the people, striving for economic development and Cambodia's honor and reputation in the international arena...

CPP spokesman Sok Eysan also affirmed that CPP's policies are aimed at serving the core interests of the people, because CPP is the only party that can understand what its people need and want. Therefore, he is optimistic that voters will continue to support CPP as they have in the past.

Cambodian voters, they are holding in their hands the votes that can shape their future as well as the fate of the country in the next 5 years and their “hearts” will choose the most worthy person to place their trust in. Therefore, if the CPP or any political party wants to win, the first thing is to conquer the “hearts of voters”.

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DOAN TRUNG