Hi Folks,

Cambodia is having national elections July 27. We were planning to visit SR and PP around that time (just before and after). But now are wondering whether we should try and be there a full week before. This would mean our trip would go from BKK to SR first before going to LP and then Vietnam. If we did this, we'd miss going to Northern Thailand and taking the boat to Laos. What do you think? Is it safe to be there during the elections, or better to arrange this way.

I think if there were going to be trouble, it would be in the form of the government intimidating other parties and voters. Going BEFORE the election is a really bad idea. You would be better off arriving just after the elections, since a coup is highly unlikely.

Overall, though, I think Cambodia is politically pretty quiet right now... or at least as quiet as it can be.

Do others agree? I work in this field, and I have only experienced election violence AFTER the election (or just a few days before in the form of intimidation). But I don't know Cambodia well...

I don't know the specific issues involved in this election. The person who would know is Lori (offwego) who is living most of the year in Cambodia. You can contact her through the Ponheary Ly Foundation www.theplf.org

I'm certainly no expert, but everyone here seems to view the upcoming election as a non-event. I would be VERY surprised if parties changed and that would be the only thing that might lead to any "unrest". Everyone believes Hun Sen will stay in office and continue to lead the kleptocracy.

A good indicator in cambodia about the people's confidence is their willingness to buy land. People here are spending their last 2 cents to buy land (before it all gets sold to foreigners) so that tells me the people are not worried.

If they aren't worried, no need fr us to be worried.

I agree with offwego. There's no question that Hun Sen will be elected Prime Mininster for another five years.

www.luxepacker.com

I will be in Cambodia just before the elections and are not concerned. Hun Sen has the money and will win comfortably.

Slightly off topic. I have heard a rumour that the government may be introducing driver's licences for the first time after the election. Just something to think about.

I thought about taking the boat down the Mekong and have decided to go by bus to Luang NamTha and perhaps bus down to Pak Beng and boat for one day instead of two.