Issues that Cambodian voters are still concerned about.

Chan Thim, a law student at the National University of Cambodia (NUM), shared that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, 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 particularly interested in the policies outlined in the political platform of the Cambodian People's Party and highly appreciates these policies. Notably, the policy of reforming the Cambodian education system, through the one-village-one-public-school initiative, is particularly noteworthy. Chan Thim stated: "Of course, we must improve the Cambodian education system, because education is everything, the key to development; without education, there is nothing."

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

At the same time, Chan Thim also stated that, in addition to other top priority areas, the CPP also needs more effective policies to improve the country's agricultural sector if it wins the election again. Most Cambodians make their living from farming, therefore agriculture remains a crucial pillar in the structure of the Cambodian economy .

A group of students from the University of Science and Health stated that the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is a major political party in the country, and its political platform is attracting the attention and support of many voters. These medical students affirmed that under the leadership of the CPP, Cambodia has been enjoying peace and stability in its economy and politics. “We truly appreciate the skillful leadership of the Cambodian People's Party; they have initiated many effective projects that have brought great benefits to the nation. The CPP has truly brought peace to us,” the students shared.

"Nevertheless, we believe that more effective and focused programs and policies are still needed to improve the healthcare system in the country"; "our current healthcare system is still not up to international standards and we must improve it," one of them suggested when referring to the healthcare system in Cambodia.

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

Expressing respect and appreciation for the CPP leadership's ability to steer the country, Ka Chan, a resident of Phnom Penh, said: “I am truly interested in 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 truly believe in them.” Ka Chan added that the country needs to continue maintaining economic stability and urged the government to focus on policies that create more favorable conditions for people to do business, especially paying attention to street vendors who need financial support from the state.

Paying particular attention to issues that directly affect his own livelihood and that of many others, Buth Phearum, a taxi driver in Phnom Penh, suggested that the CPP-led government should focus on implementing solutions to stabilize fuel prices despite global market uncertainties.

"Of course, I understand that stabilizing fuel prices is a hot topic worldwide, but if the CPP can achieve that, then it would be truly outstanding," Phearum said, expressing his hope.

Phearum believed that only the CPP could lead Cambodia in maintaining development, stability, and peace.

The above are just some of the opinions and sentiments shared by a few voters with Khmer Times. However, through them, we can see that the Cambodian people still acknowledge and appreciate the country's achievements under the leadership of the CPP over the past period. Nevertheless, they also frankly expressed their wishes and expectations for even greater excellence from the CPP's strategic policies if it wins the upcoming election.

Winning the hearts of voters

The CPP, as the ruling party for the past 44 years, has always prided itself on being the main factor in bringing peace and independence to the Cambodian nation, which was achieved through countless hardships. With strong support from the people throughout the years and a deep understanding of the values ​​they possess, the CPP will continue to focus on policies that maintain peace and stability, promote prosperity, and modernize the country...

Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Chairman and 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 speech by the party chairman and Prime Minister Hun Sen. Accordingly, the top priority policies if the CPP wins the election again are to remain steadfast in protecting peace, independence, political stability, socio-economic development, and putting the people at the center.

Prime Minister Hun Sen affirmed that the rights of the people are always respected, protected, and promoted; other priority areas such as the economy, society, culture, education, health, and employment are increasingly receiving due attention and investment; and the lives of the people are constantly improving both materially and spiritually.

Prime Minister Hun Sen also particularly emphasized that improving people's lives is extremely important, as it is a prerequisite for realizing the CPP's vision of making Cambodia a high-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed country by 2050.

In his campaign message, General Hun Manet, the CPP's prospective prime minister, outlined the core objectives of the CPP-led government's past, present, and future policies. He stated, "The policies of the CPP-led government over the past 44 years have focused on three core objectives: life, sustenance, and reputation."

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

"The 'stomach' here refers to the people enjoying a prosperous and happy life, with all aspects of their lives taken care of. General Hun Manet particularly emphasized caring for the people's livelihoods through government support in social issues, education, living conditions, and community health care services."

Meanwhile, the "face" implies granting rights and freedoms to the people, striving for economic development and Cambodia's honor and prestige on the international stage...

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

Cambodian voters hold the ballot that can shape their future and the destiny of their country for the next five years, and their "hearts" will choose the most worthy person to place their trust in. Therefore, the CPP, or any political party for that matter, must first win the "hearts of the voters" to achieve victory.

*Please visit the International section to view related news and articles.

DOAN TRUNG