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Australian Support for Free and Fair Cambodian Commune Elections

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News, speeches and media

Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

Australia welcomes the announcement by the Cambodian Government that Commune
elections will be held on 3 February 2002, for the first time in thirty years.

The elections serve as an important milestone in the process of
democratisation in Cambodia and deserve the full support of the Australian
Government and the broader international community. During the elections,
representatives will be chosen for 1621 communes across Cambodia, providing
democratic representation at a local level.

I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government will provide $600,000
in support of the election process. The Australian Government's Overseas Aid
Program (AusAID) contribution will be distributed through the United Nations
Development Program. It is likely to be directed to voter education campaigns
and other initiatives to ensure a free and fair election. This assistance
follows on from support for Cambodia's electoral processes which has been
provided since 1992, and reflects Australia's continuing commitment to building
an effective framework for democratic governance in Cambodia.

Aid donors will meet with the Royal Government of Cambodia in Tokyo from 11
to 13 June for the World Bank Consultative Group meeting. They will discuss
progress in Cambodia's governance reform program, including preparations for the
Commune elections, and future support for Cambodia's development.

Australia is expected to provide a total of $38.5 million in development
assistance to Cambodia in 2001-02, including $24.4 million through the bilateral
country program, assisting in agriculture, health, human resource development
and governance.

Media contacts:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489

Last Updated: 25 February 2013
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