‘Dialogues’ set for provinces

They can’t talk in the National Assembly, and they can’t talk in the provinces – at least at the parliamentarian level – but a new round of local dialogues held by the National Democratic Institute will see the ruling party and the opposition face off via their commune-level counterparts this December.

Since 2004, NDI has arranged town-hall style meetings where members of parliament take questions from the public. This year, the format will be changed to accommodate the Cambodia National Rescue Party’s ongoing boycott of the National Assembly.

The dialogues aim to create transparency and communication between constituents and representatives, with NDI facilitating the discussion and following up on any promises made and solutions delivered.

But with CNRP parliamentarians lacking the ability to effect political change in the government without taking their seats, the next series of 22 dialogues will host representatives from the commune council rather than members of parliament. …

 Laignee Barron
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/%E2%80%98dialogues%E2%80%99-set-provinces