Work of Observers Key to Fair Election, Monitor Says

WASHINGTON DC – The head of the election monitoring group Comfrel says a number of election irregularities and fraud have taken place during the campaign period, as observers prepare for Election Day on Sunday. Voter lists have numerous flaws, with some people unable to find their names and other names duplicated, Koul Panha, executive director of the group, told VOA Khmer. Other problems with voter cards and IDs exist, and there are 25 percent more ballots printed than needed, which is a concern, he said. But he said there is much that can be done on Election Day by those who want to observe the vote and its count. This year’s election is being closely watched by donors and the international community, with election monitors and rights groups warning it runs a legitimacy risk. Koul Panha said that monitoring of voters and their eligibility can take place at the sites, especially if monitors are local. They can identify whether an ID matches the voter at the polling station, he said. …

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