Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Wallström regarding political developments in Cambodia

Government Offices of Sweden
Published 17 November 2017
URL: http://www.government.se/statements/2017/11/statement-by-minister-for-foreign-affairs-wallstrom-regarding-political-developments-in-cambodia/

The Swedish Government takes a very serious view of today's decision by the Supreme Court of Cambodia to dissolve the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the country's main opposition party. The CNRP received 43.8 per cent of the vote in local elections in 2017. The recent repressive measures against the opposition, the media and civil society organisations represent a serious setback for democratic development and human rights in Cambodia.

Sweden and the EU made our position against these political developments clear at an early stage. In our view these developments seriously restrict the democratic space in advance of Cambodia's general election in July 2018. Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy. Elections in which the main opposition party is not allowed to participate cannot be regarded as legitimate.
The Swedish Government urges Cambodia to allow the political opposition, the media and civil society organisations to operate freely.
In light of these adverse political developments, the Swedish Government will review the forms of our engagement in Cambodia.