A/HRC/21/63 parties received access to the State television channel TVK and the State radio channel RNK according to election regulations, and time on a small number of private radio stations without national reach. There appears, however, to have been a lack of equality in access. For example, according to the final report of the European Union Electoral Observation Mission to Cambodia 2008, the State television channel TVK devoted more than 900 minutes in its news programmes to the Government compared to four minutes to the opposition.2 The dominance of the ruling party with regard to media access may have undermined the ability of the Cambodian electorate to receive sufficient information about the parties to make an informed choice. 57. Increased intolerance since 2008 of the exercise of freedom of expression in criticizing corruption, impunity and land-grabbing is likely to further affect the political space available to opposition parties in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections. This has already been evidenced by charges of defamation and incitement being levelled at opposition members Mu Sochua (in April 2009) and Ho Vann (in July 2009) and charges of destruction of property and racial incitement at opposition leader Sam Rainsy. Mr. Rainsy was tried in absentia in January 2010 and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in one case and 10 years’ imprisonment in another, but remains in exile. 58. Effective civic and voter education is another critical election component. Although the National Electoral Committee has taken significant steps towards increasing understanding of the right to vote and the formal procedure of voting (in particular by disseminating voter information notices that explain to registered voters the process of voting), that the National Election Committee continues to be dominated by supporters of the ruling party has harmed its credibility. In addition, its operation of the voter registration system has left something to be desired in previous elections: controversy over its handling of voter registration during the 2007 commune council elections (in particular the removal of many names from the register) was cause for concern at the time and similar concerns were raised in relation to the commune council elections in June 2012. VI. Conclusions 59. The overall situation of human rights has improved over the years, especially with the recent enactment of key legislation to this effect. There remains, however, much to be done to fulfil the obligations of Cambodia under the international human rights treaties that it has ratified. The Paris Peace Agreements established the rule of law, human rights and democracy as major pillars of the new political architecture for the country. Accordingly, the peace process cannot be regarded as complete until the democratic institutions created under the Constitution are able to work effectively and independently. The international community has a particular stake and responsibility in this regard. 60. The Special Rapporteur is aware of the very important role played by the Government in strengthening democracy and improving the electoral process in Cambodia. There remains, however, some way to go to achieve the objectives. It is in this area that he wishes to offer his assistance and to have a meaningful and constructive dialogue with the Government. 2 14 Available from www.eueomcambodia.org/English/PDF/PDF/Final%20Report/final%20report/English/EU_EOM_Fin al_Report_Com.pdf.