By Enyichukwu Enemanna
As Cambodia goes to the polls for national election on Sunday, former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to leaders across the world to pursue peace in the global community through the practice of true democracy and people-oriented leadership.
Jonathan also made a case for good governance, which he described as the trigger for political stability, progress and inclusive development.
The former Nigerian leader urged world leaders to commit to building on the common ground of promoting a democratic culture anchored on justice and solidarity among all people.
Jonathan who spoke on Saturday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the International Leadership Conference, jointly organised by the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI), noted that when citizens are allowed to freely exercise their electoral mandate, they would be voting for lasting peace and sustainable development and standing up against repression, dictatorship and abuse of the rights of citizens.
“We are all happy to be here today and we will be glad to witness the good people of this great country exercise this democratic right on Sunday, to elect the leaders of their choice for the next governance cycle in Cambodia.
“I urge world leaders to truly imbibe and embrace these principles of true democracy by not just overseeing routine elections but conducting elections that are free, fair, inclusive, transparent and credible towards placing governance at the service of the people and establishing a culture of global peace and harmony.
“Frankly speaking, talking about elections, it is important to note that election value chain through voting in the field, processing and collating of results to announcement of the outcomes, and in some countries, the judicial procedures where the processes go through litigations, must be built on a solid foundation of justice for democracy to function effectively.
“The International Summit Council for Peace, ISCP-Africa, which I chair, will continue to advocate for a democratic culture rooted in free, fair elections, rule of law and good governance,” he stated.
Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen who has spent 38 years in office has tipped his eldest son, Hun Manet as his successor.
According to AFP report, while no fixed date has been given for a transfer of power, Hun Manet, 45, has taken on a number of his father’s campaign duties this year.
“Nobody can block the steps forward of Hun Sen or Hun Manet,” AFP quoted the prime minister as telling voters in June.
“After Hun Sen, it will be Hun Manet”.
