CALD Member Party Highlights

CANDLELIGHT PARTY

A Beacon of Hope

As highlighted in reports from rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch, the Cambodian government’s efforts to silence dissent and curtail freedom of expression have intensifed, prompting widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. In the July 2023 elections, for instance, the opposition Candlelight Party (CLP) of Cambodia was banned from participating. During the runup to the polls and on Election Day itself, the crackdown on the opposition was also prevalent. But despite harassment and intimidation from the authorities, members of the CLP have

remained resolute in their pursuit of democratic ideals.

In October 2023, CLP announced that it will join with three smaller parties in a political alliance that will aim to feld candidates in the 2027 local commune elections and the 2028 general election.

This “Alliance Toward the Future” includes the Khmer Will Party, the Grassroots Democratic Party, and the Cambodia Reform Party.

But the alliance has already begun making its mark. In the February 2024 Senate elections, the alliance secured three seats — one of which is now being occupied by CALD Chairperson Mardi Seng – and demonstrated its growing infuence and legitimacy. In a political landscape marred by repression and uncertainty, the Candlelight Party stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring citizens to uphold the principles of democracy and fght for a better future.

A Strategy to Fight Autocracy

To effectively unite the international community against a dictatorship, a comprehensive strategy has been implemented by CNRP America executives. It encompasses a series of interconnected steps that are designed to mobilize global opinion, build coalitions, and leverage international mechanisms to apply pressure on the regime in question. This strategy begins with the establishment of clear, achievable objectives that focus on pushing for the bills to be passed.

allies who share our interests and can help us make this happen.

H.R. 4659 and S 2331, the Cambodia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2023:

CNRP America Foreign Affairs Committee employs a multi-faceted approach that involves research, coalition-building, public engagement, direct advocacy, and strategic communication. Currently, we are advocating for the following bills to be passed, and are identifying

Seeks to encourage and support the development of democratic institutions and practices in Cambodia, aiming to foster a more open and participatory political system. It aims to address human-rights abuses in Cambodia, and calls for the protection of basic freedoms and rights, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. Strengthening the rule of law, including judicial independence and legal frameworks that protect human rights, is probably a key focus, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently. The

legislation proposes sanctions or other measures against individuals or entities involved in undermining democracy or violating human rights in Cambodia. Providing support for civil-society organizations, including those advocating for human rights, democracy, and good governance, could be another aspect. The bill demands that the U.S. government monitor and report on the situation in Cambodia, including progress on democracy and human rights, and adjust U.S. policy accordingly.

H.R.3654 & S.2331 – Transnational Repression Policy Act:

This bill is aimed at addressing the issue of transnational repression, which involves actions by foreign governments to harass, intimidate, or harm individuals outside their borders, particularly those within diaspora and exile communities. The Transnational Repression Policy Act is critically important for human rights as it addresses the issue of authoritarian governments persecuting individuals beyond their borders, upholding fundamental freedoms such as speech, association, and political participation. It extends the protection of human rights universally, ensuring accountability for repressive actions through measures like sanctions, thereby deterring future violations. By reinforcing international norms and providing support to vulnerable diaspora and exile communities, the act not only safeguards individual rights but also promotes global stability and security, affrming the international community’s commitment to defending human rights against transnational repression.

These bills include the interest of other advocacy groups, community organizations, experts in the feld, and the bills’ potential benefciaries. We have great support from Action for Democracy by advocacy through petition signing.

Forming a coalition to amplify our advocacy efforts is another avenue to help ensure the bills will pass. There is strength in numbers, and a coalition can bring diverse resources and perspectives to the campaign. In addition, we are strengthening partnerships with the Myanmar diaspora and the Hong Kong groups in the United States to form strong alliances to fght autocracy.

We also engage with institutions like the UN, NDI, IRI, Vital Voice, RDI, and NED through the Khmer Movement for Democracy to help our activists who are currently in hiding in Thailand. We are strengthening our advocacy with many other NGOs and Freedom House to support the protection of our refugees from the transnational repression by Hun Manet’s regime, which has threatened our activists who are exiled in Thailand.

The cornerstone of this strategy is a comprehensive public-relations campaign designed to expose the regime’s human-rights abuses and authoritarian practices. This involves creating and disseminating compelling narratives through social media, traditional media outlets, and digital platforms worldwide. The development of advocacy materials, such as reports, infographics, and videos, will play a pivotal role in highlighting the regime’s violations and galvanizing international support when meeting with Congress and Senator in Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

Parallel to these efforts, the strategy necessitates leveraging international law. The regime performed mass evictions at Cambodia’s UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor in which 10,000 families were affected. This allows us to advocate for the involvement of international bodies such as the International Criminal Court and the United Nations Human Rights Council to

investigate and hold the dictatorship accountable for its abuses. Lobbying for targeted sanctions against the regime’s leaders and their enablers, as well as diplomatic efforts to isolate the regime internationally, will increase the cost of its repressive actions.

Supporting the internal opposition and civil society is essential for fostering change from within. This can be achieved by providing these groups with technical assistance, resources, and training to enhance their capacity to challenge the dictatorship effectively. Offering international platforms for these voices ensures their struggle gains visibility and support on the global stage.

Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms must be embedded within the strategy to assess the impact of these initiatives continuously, allowing for adjustments as necessary. Moreover, contingency plans should be in place to mitigate risks and protect the activists and partners involved in the campaign.

We are finally able to put the Cambodian Women’s advocacy for UN CSW68. On behalf of women in Cambodia, we discussed the crucial issue of the Feminization of Poverty in Cambodia and the continued detention of Ms. Theary Seng and many other political prisoners.

Ultimately, this strategy requires a long-term commitment and a coordinated effort among a broad coalition of international actors. Through sustained engagement and the strategic application of pressure, it is possible to unite the international community in opposition to a dictatorship, paving the way for a return to democratic governance and respect for human rights in Cambodia.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Resilient and Committed

As it celebrates its 78th Anniversary in 2024, the Liberal Party of the Philippines stands as an unwavering beacon of resilience, embodying a legacy deeply rooted in democratic liberalism, reverence for the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, fostering good governance and accountability, advocating for progressive taxation, combating authoritarianism and despotism, and championing genuine people empowerment. Under the visionary leadership of Party President, Congressman Edcel Lagman, the party advances with renewed vigor, dedicated to fortifying its enviable foundations and steering the nation toward a future defined by justice, inclusivity, and progress.

Under the current administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (son of the late dictator), the Liberal Party (LP) has emerged as a stalwart defender of Philippine democracy.

Prominent Opposition to Charter Change: The Liberal Party courageously led the charge against attempts to amend the fundamental Charter, recognizing the grave threat the move posed to democratic principles and governance.

Exposing Unlawful Use of Confidential Funds: LP fearlessly uncovered and exposed the illicit utilization of Confdential Funds, shedding light on opaque practices and advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.

Fighting Against Disinformation: Amidst the proliferation of disinformation, LP has remained steadfast in its commitment to combat falsehoods, defending the integrity of public discourse and ensuring that truth prevailed.

Standing Up Against Bullying by China: In the face of external pressures and China’s aggressive tactics, LP has stood resolutely, defending the sovereignty and dignity of our nation against all forms of intimidation and coercion.

Our good news include the November 2023 release of former Senator Leila de Lima, who endured nearly seven years of unjust imprisonment. Her decision to embrace the role of LP spokesperson not long after, coupled with her unwavering commitment to persist in the struggle for justice, serves as a profound source of inspiration and empowerment for the entire party. De Lima’s resilience in the face of adversity exemplifes the indomitable spirit of the party, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and determination among its members. Her triumphant return from detention marks a signifcant milestone in the ongoing quest for truth and accountability, reaffirming the party’s unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and human rights.

SINGAPORE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Working to Realize a Dream

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Secretary General Dr. Chee Soon Juan has a new book, It Starts with a Dream, in which he delves into the challenges facing Singapore and offers a vision for a better future.

Still Pushing Forward

As authoritarianism continues its unrelenting assault on democracy worldwide, Taiwan held its elections under the threat of coercion and misinformation campaigns from our neighbor to the West. Various observers have labeled our 2024 presidential polls the “most consequential” or “most watched,” with some going as far as to describe this election as a critical juncture in the global democratic narrative.

China has been undertaking a massive interdiction campaign against the Taiwanese people’s democratic impetus to hold free and fair elections. We have dealt with an onslaught of misinformation, especially now with short-form media and TikTok, which has increased polarization in society and created distrust between the Taiwanese public and our democratic partners worldwide.

Despite these assaults on Taiwan’s freedom and sovereignty, the Taiwanese people have not wavered in their pursuit of peace and stability. In light of being neighbors with a disruptor of the rules-based international system, we must be the stabilizing democratic force for good in the region. Taiwan cannot do this alone, however, and we have been building lasting connections with friends – both new and old — around the world. Like-minded partners can support us through public statements of support, which not only instill confidence in the Taiwanese people about our conscious choice to stand with democracies, but also act as effective bulwarks against Chinese misinformation.

Under the leadership of Chairperson Lai Ching-te, the DPP will devote its efforts to address social issues in Taiwan, with the goal of creating a more equal society where everyone has the opportunity to fourish. Youth issues will be a focus of the party’s work going forward. We hope to listen and seek out opinions from young people all across Taiwan to better understand their opinions and hopes for the future. Gender equality is another important plank of our party’s platform. We seek to build on our existing protection for LGBTQ members of society and further empower women to participate in civic society.

For 2024, the DPP will host a series of speaker seminars aimed at identifying and creating a critical mass of youth interested in international affairs and global democracy. We also plan to send up-and-coming party members on overseas exchange programs to engage in dialogue with our global partners and train the next generation of young Taiwanese leaders. The DPP will listen to suggestions and advice from all walks of society, especially civic groups, to further our tradition of excellent governance and democratic participation.

Taiwan will always stand with people threatened by authoritarianism. Through multilateral engagement, we hope to forge ahead in a world defned by democratic values and respect for human rights.

“The deteriorating quality of governance in Singapore has worried many in this country,” Chee said during the book’s launch in February 2024 at one of the branches of his coffee shop chain Orange & Teal. “It is clear that the anachronistic paradigm of undemocratic, one-party dominance is the proverbial

albatross around Singapore’s neck. Already, signs of our slide into a bleak future are unmistakable, and our quality of life is trending southwards. Now more than ever, we need a renaissance of our own.”

“We don’t need big ideas that will change the world, we just need

to foster a cultural shift where we refuse to accept the status quo as immutable,” he continued. “Orange & Teal is a microcosm of the society that I wish to see in this country, a vision that embodies compassion, equity, and intellectual excitement. It is a society that remains a dream for now, but one which I have worked toward all my adult life. Admittedly, it is a dream that sometimes seems nigh impossible to reach. But I have seen and heard enough to know that the long journey to realizing a dream starts with having one.”

SDP itself has been working hard toward realizing its dream for Singapore. Following its 21st Ordinary Party Conference (OPC), the party unveiled its 2024-2026 Central Executive Committee (CEC)

line-up. While the CEC remains largely unchanged, there were notable adjustments, including the appointment of Abdul Salim Harun to fill the vacancy left by Alfred Tan’s decision to step down. Salem, a dedicated party member since 2018, brings valuable experience and a commitment to community engagement.

The re-election of members from the preceding CEC underscores the party’s confdence in its leadership and organizational stability. Noted Chairperson Dr Paul Tambyah: “The CEC line-up has a good mix of party veterans and bright young people with diverse talents and opinions, underpinned by a common dedication to a more democratic Singapore. Singaporeans can be confdent that

our team will be able to run a great town council, or two, and raise critically important questions in parliament with creative solutions for a better future for all of us.”

Secretary General Chee meanwhile emphasized the need for a coherent, unified approach to strategic planning and public engagement as the party prepares for the General Election.

“We’re gearing up for an election toward the second half of this year,” he said, “and everything from getting out our message to our groundwork must continue apace. The nuts and bolts of election activities need to be put in place in the coming weeks and months.”

THE DEMOCRAT PARTY

Path to Renewal

The Democrat Party won only 25 seats in the May 14, 2023 General Elections, representing only 5% of the total 500 Lower House seats. This is a decrease from previous records of 10% in 2014 and 25% in 2008.

In addition, the Democrat Party has faced many difcult challenges thereafter, including deep internal divisions, a lack of a clear path forward, and the emergence of strong new competitors with effective social media platforms and campaigns more appealing to younger voters.

At present, under the new management team, the Democrat Party is in a state of transition. Some key issues need to be highlighted below:

discussions, and engaging in party reforms to regain better public support.

Redefning Party Identity: The Democrat Party has been reevaluating its platform and identity to attract a broader base of supporters, especially among younger generations. This includes reassessing policies on issues such as economic development, social justice, and decentralization to align with evolving voter expectations.

Reorganization of Strategy: As part of its reorganization strategy, the Democrat Party has focused on grassroots-level politics, aiming to rebuild its popularity and establish a stronger local presence.

Internal Party Reevaluation: The election loss prompted the Democrat Party to conduct a thorough review of its policies, strategies, and connection with the electorate. The Party has been reassessing its position, conducting internal

Active Engagement with Youth, Gender, and Civil Society: The new leadership will announce a new strategy and platform at the upcoming party convention in April 2024.