In June 2005, the Royal Government of Cambodia adopted its strategic framework on decentralization and de-concentration (D&D) reform programs to enhance the functions of service delivery of sub-national governments through indirection election. In December 2007, the government held a workshop in Sihanoukville to review and provide inputs on draft organic law for approval from Council of Ministers and the National Assembly. The draft organic law has been approved by the Council of Ministers and is now waiting for approval from the National Assembly which is expected to be endorsed soon at any day this week. After the adoption of this drafted law, there are about 12 months for government to hold a first election of sub-national councils. It means that the councils of the capital, province, city, Khan and district will be elected by commune councilors in 2009.

While the government is trying its best to speed up the pace for local governance reforms, the civil society stakeholders are considering giving some inputs into this draft laws. The following is summary of concerns which I used to talk with some NGO staff and others.

-          Indirect election means the same as the appointment as the result of the election can be seen already. One can see which political party will win the election and how many council seats will belong to any political party.

-          As it is indirect election, then there will be a big challenges and difficulties of sub-national government officers in performing their roles as they may be influenced by political parties’ orders.

-          On the other hand, it is not sure that citizens could actively participate in development agenda of the council through consultation and other means as mentioned in the draft organic law, because the citizen’s participation which is clearly stated in the Law on Administration Management of Communes/Sangkats is limited. Citizen’s participation with higher levels of administration or councils would be more challenges.

-          It is understood that the levels of development will not be depend on power and authorities of elected sub-national councils, but it will need participation from local citizens. Therefore, raising people awareness and participation in local governance with the newly created structure of sub-national governments shall be increasingly important and this provides space for NGOs to play active roles.

-          There will be adding of council officials and the change in sub-national government structures and personnel. It will be another burden to the national budget and people have to learn the new things so as to adapt to the changing; that includes the call of name of city, Khan, etc.

-          The new creation of sub-national councils will be a very big challenge for NGOs as until now, many NGOs do not know or understand clearly about decentralized commune councils. While we do not have clear understanding about D&D, we still see that we will not be able to support or strengthen sub-national governments and encourage people participation in sub-national democratic development process.