Publication | Survey

Voter Registration and Elections in Cambodia: Key Findings from an IFES Public Opinion Survey

IFES conducted a survey of voting-age adults in Cambodia on voter registration and elections, below are the findings from three key areas:

Knowledge & Opinions on the Electoral Process

Most Cambodians are interested in elections, but do not feel they have much information on the election process in the country. Residents of urban areas, older Cambodians and men report higher levels of information on elections. Television, radio and word of mouth are the primary sources Cambodians use to learn about developments in their country. Regarding campaign finance issues, Cambodians are generally supportive of regulation and disclosure of money in election campaigns.

Experiences with and Opinions on the Voter Registration Update

Most Cambodians heard about the voter registration update period, but less than half of these respondents feel they had a lot of information. Men, urban residents and older Cambodians report having higher levels of information on the update process, while village leaders, TV ads and radio ads were the most visible sources of this information. The information provided was viewed to be effective and provided with enough time for citizens to check their registration status. Participation in the process is also reported to be high: over three-quarters of Cambodians say they participated in the update process, either checking the list themselves, having someone check for them, or checking for others and themselves.

Attitudes & Opinions Toward Women in Politics

Survey findings indicate there is support among both men and women for women’s involvement in various political roles. The general concept of gender quotas is not well-known in Cambodia, yet there is support for their introduction in future elections. This is a positive finding for those who may be lobbying for the inclusion of gender quotas in future elections. The rationales given for supporting quotas surround the belief that women have equal rights as men, and that women are just as qualified as men, pointing to Cambodians’ sensitivity to gender equality in terms of rights and abilities.

Read detailed findings here.