Is Encouraging Voters to Vote from Abroad Good?

 In this commentary, John Lowrie explores how Cambodia is making strides in enfranchising its diaspora, while the UK’s experience highlights the challenges of low participation, the role of an independent electoral commission, and advocacy efforts like the British Overseas Voters Forum

Hun Manet shows his inked finger after a vote on July 23, 2023. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Published on:

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 - 8:48 AM(GMT+7)

Disclaimer: The commentary published is contributed by the author and does not represent the views or opinions of Kiripost Media. The publication of this commentary does not constitute endorsement of its content by Kiripost or its staff

By John Lowrie

Local media in Cambodia has reported that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is celebrating its OverseasYouth Wing, which has more than 160,000 members. We can't know, of course, how many there are in similar opposition party groups abroad given current barriers to them forming and operating.

In general, however, encouraging people of all ages to participate in democracy and political affairs should be encouraged, along with equal protection afforded to those with dissenting opinions.

Cambodia has only recently introduced the ability for its citizens to register to vote in elections when they are abroad. It is to be commended for doing this, joining other ASEAN members with established provisions, such as Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

Strangely, some older democracies do not have long traditions of facilitating their citizens to vote from abroad. Even if they do, the right is not exercised. Majorities remain disenfranchised, unable to influence democratic processes even on decisions that affect them.

The UK for its general election last year eased its rules for residents abroad by extending the right to vote-for-life. Disappointingly, the move did not seem to have much impact.

There are an estimated more than five million Brits living abroad, with over three million eligible to vote. No-one knows exactly for sure as no registers are kept and some people don't want to be traced. Yet only about 200,000 registered to vote last year.

Cambodia, despite being one fifth the size of the UK’s population, might be doing better.

There are, however, some key differences that need to be explained, and from which Cambodia could learn. The first is that the UK's Electoral Commission is genuinely independent and mainly free of party political influences, regardless of who is in power.

Secondly, many Parliamentarians from all parties are united in wanting citizens at home and abroad to exercise their democratic rights.

Thirdly, academic and civil society groups are also free to lobby towards meeting this goal and to make it easier for people to exercise their vote regardless of party political affiliations.

For example, the British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) is particularly active. Chairman Bruce Darrington actually lives in Thailand. Southeast Asia is well-represented, but not Cambodia despite its large growing British community.

Apart from the BOVF's mission in its name, it also leads campaigns on other issues of importance to Brits in Cambodia and also relevant to Cambodians with close UK ties.

For example, Brits abroad taking advantage of Cambodia's convenient retirement visa should stay abreast of what happens to their UK state pensions. At the moment they are frozen. BOVF believes that they should rise with inflation.

Also, those of us with Cambodian partners or family members need to know the latest on how they are affected by UK border entry and immigration policies. We need to have a stronger voice before the greater costs and tighter restrictions of recent years are increased again.

Personally, I also take the view that as Cambodia makes it relatively easy for foreigners of certain nationalities, such as the UK, to enter and stay in Cambodia, with digital visa applications and visa-on-arrival, why should that generosity not be reciprocated? The UK should make it easier and cheaper for Cambodians to visit its countries.