The Cambodian crisis

The return of Prince Norodom Ranariddh to Phnom Penh may inspire Cambodians to hope that the approaching election will bring some stability back to the war-ravaged country, but the chances are probably remote. The tattered remnants of his forces are still fighting on the Thai border, and unless a cease-fire can be arranged, Prince Ranariddh, who was ousted as first prime minister nine months ago, will not even be able to take part.

The prince's FUNCINPEC party is shattered and in disarray. More than 40 of its officials have mysteriously perished since last year's coup. Prince Ranariddh is only in the country thanks to a Japanese-brokered peace plan, and this initial visit will last no longer than four days. He admitted on arrival that he felt apprehensive at his return.

He has good reason to be, after he was convicted of arms smuggling and collusion, and condemned to death in a court controlled by his rival, second prime minister Hun Sen. Hun Sen is in full control of the country, and corruption has reached epidemic proportions. The economic decline continues, following the cutback in foreign aid. Illicit logging is reported to be continuing on a massive scale, much of it by Khmer Rouge defectors, to raise money to fund the election campaign for Hun Sen's Cambodian's People Party.

Since the Hun Sen Government controls the broadcasting stations, none of the opposition parties has any access to the airwaves, so electoral fairness is not on offer, even if there is a free vote and a properly run poll. The United Nations has repeatedly called for improved human rights in Cambodia, but has had little response. Unless the situation improves, the UN may not agree to assist in the elections, but with the European Union giving more than US$10 million for voter registration and Japan paying $3 million for ballot boxes, Cambodia will probably go through the motions. Whether that will bring it any nearer to democracy, is a rather moot point.

-- The South China Morning Post