(LOWELL – 1/16/2024) State Senator Ed Kennedy testified alongside State Representative
Vanna Howard before the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs in support of Senate
Bill 2326 and House Bill 3507. Both Bills are Resolutions condemning political oppression and
encouraging free and fair elections in Cambodia. Senate Bill 2326 was filed by Senator Kennedy
while House Bill 3507 was filed by State Representative Vanna Howard.
Signed on October 23, 1991, the Paris Peace Accords sought to bring democracy to Cambodia
following the Khmer Rouge genocide from 1975-1979, and subsequent twelve year-long civil
war. Nineteen nations signed this international agreement seeking to resolve political conflict
and turmoil in Cambodia by setting forth the right to self-determination of its people through free
and fair elections. Significant expenditures in the form of international aid have been made in
order to promote a pluralistic, multi-party democratic system in Cambodia.
“Although elections have been held in Cambodia over the past 23 years—international observers
agree they have been far from free and fair,” said Senator Kennedy (D-Lowell) before the Joint
Committee.
Since 1991, the government of Cambodia has engaged in oppressive tactics aimed at limiting
democratic expression, including the restriction of its media environment by ordering radio
stations to cease operations and by arresting journalists. Leading opposition parties have also
been dissolved and opposition party leaders have been arrested or exiled in an effort to repress
viable political challenges.
“What we all want, whether you live here in Lowell, or abroad, is for Cambodia to be a
prosperous, democratic, and independent country where all voices are heard. Cambodian people
should be allowed to exercise their voice and choice in shaping the future of their country and
not compromising the true spirit of the country’s constitution. It is my hope Cambodia will
restore the multi-party system in democracy, reverse the convictions of government critics, and
allow independent media outlets to resume immediately without any interference. Free and fair
elections are vital components of a democratic state in the protection of the liberty and human
rights of its citizens. That’s the true definition of democracy.” Said State Representative Howard
(D-Lowell) before the Joint Committee.
Senator Kennedy initially filed this legislation during his first term as State Senator in response
to the 2018 Cambodian election—the first in Cambodia following the dissolution of the
opposition. That year, Senator Kennedy was a member of the Lowell City Council that voted
unanimously on a resolution recognizing the election as fraudulent. In the years since this
legislation was first pursued, the government of Cambodia has held other sham elections, most
recently last summer.
In addition to the testimonies of Senator Kennedy and Representative Howard, State
Representative Rodney Elliott also testified before the Joint Committee. “I have cosponsored this
bill as I have personally traveled at my own expense to the remote villages of Cambodia to
witness the oppression and intimidation tactics to prevent free and fair elections. It is my hope
that this resolution passes to implement the United Nations recommendations to promote
democracy and prevent further erosion of human rights,” said Representative Elliott (D-Lowell).
Members of Cambodian diaspora and Cambodian community in Lowell, like Lowell School
Committee Member and Senator Kennedy’s District Director Dominik Lay also made their way
to Beacon Hill to testify. “Cambodia is ruled by a Communist Party, and I would like to ask that
we give hope to those that have the courage to stand up for Democracy and for what is right and
what is fair” Mr. Lay said in his testimony.
This issue has widespread support in the City of Lowell, which is home to the second largest
Cambodian American population in the United States and has bipartisan support nationally.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan of Lowell has co-sponsored bipartisan legislation in the U.S.
House of Representatives to direct the President to impose sanctions on Cambodian officials
who are responsible for anti-democratic actions and human rights violations. Additionally,
United States Senator Edward J. Markey has joined other federal lawmakers from both parties in
announcing a resolution commemorating the landmark Cambodia Paris Peace Agreements.
The Resolutions filed by Kennedy and Howard would send a message to our federal partners and
Massachusetts constituents, particularly those of Cambodian American descent, that the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts stands with them in opposition to political oppression and
joins with them in the hope that free and fair elections will finally arrive in Cambodia as was
promised way back in 1991.