Purple Ink on the Index Finger

DATELINE: July 30, 2013
Patricia E Lyon

Cambodia elections were held on Sunday. Polls open 7 to 3 p.m. Everyone must go to their home town to vote, and be pre-registered. Quite difficult for Cambodian people to leave work, and pay for a journey that may be far, far away. Before the election, the newspapers stated that there was a 126 percent voter registration. That tells you something is off at the get go. Our friends tell us that Cambodia may be the most corrupt country in the world. Therefore 18 countries served as signatories. One such country was USA. After voting, each person put their index finger in a plastic bottle of ink. Soon cell phones told how to remove the ink with fingernail polish remover.

Cambodia has a very large population of young voters (because of Pol Pot Regime). They have influenced the vote greatly, but did not overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen. Many of our young friends supported the Rescue Party. It is a party that calls for change and protecting the environment.

It was exciting to be part of the campaigning. Tuk tuks carried loud speakers and blaring sound systems with music and speeches about the parties. There were rallies and parades. Many people drove by our hotel wearing matching T-shirts and hats. Most were piled on moto bikes, some had vans with banners. Sometimes the roads were closed. On Sunday, some shops and businesses were closed.

Sam stayed up late to watch the polling results. He watched the Cambodia news. The populace of the cities seemed to vote for a new Prime Minister. The rural population voted for continuance. The BBC spent some time reporting. CNN only a little bit. Aljezeera best reporting of the election.