Phnom Penh’s urban poor are a marginalized group which has yet to be examined in terms of level of knowledge on voter registration. As such, this research seeks to fill this knowledge gap. It examines whether urban poor residents currently possess a Khmer Citizen Identity Card (IC) or intend to obtain one prior to the voter registration period. It also considers whether those who do not have an IC have the necessary documentation to be able to obtain one, and reasons why such residents may lack such documentation. This study also examines understanding of the pre-requisites for registration and the registration process. Awareness of the upcoming communal elections is also assessed.
237 respondents were interviewed from three urban poor communities in Phnom Penh, which were Village 23, Rolous Cheung Ek and Smor San. These communities were selected because they are typical of urban poor settlements in Phnom Penh, where community members are at risk of experiencing difficulties in registering to vote, and are subject to multiple vulnerabilities, including lack of access to municipal services and the threat of eviction. From these communities, one can draw generalizations about other urban poor communities in Phnom Penh.
The survey found that the majority (92%) of the respondents across the communities did possess an IC. For the minority without ICs (8%), 52% of the respondents claimed they would acquire one in time to register to vote. Furthermore, 77% confirmed they voted in 2012 commune election; 62% said they were aware of the upcoming 2017 commune election, and 97% said they would register for the upcoming 2017 commune election. However, none of the respondents were able to provide a complete answer to the requirements for voter registration. Most respondents could only name two requirements, being 18 years or older, or a being a Cambodian citizen. Ownership of electronic devices was also found to be high across the communities (85% own a TV and 48% own a smartphone), however when it comes to accessing information on the commune election, the village chief or village team leader is relied upon as the key source for the majority of community residents. For the respondents who did not possess ICs or another legal document, 45% said the key reason was due to being asked to ‘pay extra’. As reported by the respondents that were interviewed, extra payments are normally required to help complete application forms, or to overcome inefficiency.
Facts and Figures #29: THE URBAN POOR COMMUNITY’S KNOWLEDGE ON THE 2017 COMMUNE ELECTION
You can also find report in PDF here.
Contact for more information:
Mr. Soeung Saran, Executive Director of Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
Email: director@teangtnaut.org
Tel: 089 666 013
