Inflation Could Affect Voter Turnout, Experts Worry
By Ros Sothea, VOA Khmer
Original re****t from Phnom Penh
23 April 2008
[Editor's note: In the weeks leading into national polls, VOA Khmer
will explore a wide number of election issues. The "Election Issues
2008" series will air stories on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a
related "Hello VOA" guest on Thursday. This is the first in a two-part
series examining inflation.]
As the cost of goods across the country continues to rise, election
experts worry that voters will be less likely to make a trip to the
polls in July, while voters themselves say they are so worried about
the cost of living they can=92t focus on the elections.
Sok Van****, who left her hometown in Svay Reing province to work at a
garment factory more than 10 years ago, said her $50 dollar monthly
salary won=92t allow her to go vote back home. This is because of high
inflation, especially an increas in traveling costs.
=93Now you have to spend 30,000 riel for one-way travel, but before only
6,000 riel,=94 she said, joined by a group of workers and university
students near a wooden house in the capital. =93This high increase means
I will not go to vote because I have no money for traveling.=94
Voting is the last thing on the minds of many Cambodians, especially
the poor, who have daily concerns and are feeling the bite of rising
costs.
=93How can we think about the election if we are so poor?=94 asked Ty
Sokhak, a resident in Battambang province, raising her voice. =93At the
moment eating is more im****tant.=94
Competing parties in July=92s elections recognize the difficulty in
getting people to vote when they are worried about daily living,
experts said. The parties also have to contend with people=92s skeptical
attitudes toward politicians.
Ly Sothea Rayuth, senior program officer at the National Democratic
Institute, said inflation not only made Cambodians uncaring about the
election but also could prevent many from leaving their jobs in the
capital on Election Day.
=93In a country facing high inflation, it not only affects people=92s
livings, but it also affects the election process,=94 he said.
Ly Sothea Rayuth warned that a worst-case scenario could see a reduced
number of voters, especially if the government can=92t find a way to
reduce the costs of living or travel.
Government spokesman Kheiu Kanharith said inflation was a product of
the free market, and the government was unable to stop it.
More than 8 million people are registered to vote this year, but the
number of people coming to the polls has decreased in recent
elections.
The National Election Committee counted 90 percent of voters casting
ballots in 1993, but only 68 percent voting in last year=92s commune
elections.
Koul Panha, director of the independent Committee for Free and Fair
Elections, urged people to overcome the costs of travel and vote.
A vote was a way of standing up and speaking to a problem, he said.
http://www.voanews.com/khmer/2008-04-23-voa1.cfm
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