BANGKOK (7 June 2017) The UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia welcomed the orderly conduct of voting in the communal elections held across Cambodia on 4 June, and expressed hope that the smooth and peaceful poll bodes well for the democratic process ahead next year’s general elections. Katia Chirizzi, Deputy Regional Representative, congratulated Cambodians who turned out in exceptionally high numbers, civil society organizations that also mobilized in large numbers to scrutinize the election, all the participating political parties, and the National Election Committee on its preparations.  She called for the re-opening of the civil society space ahead of next year's general election, beginning with the release of the "Adhoc 5" and Tep Vanny. Read the full text in English here.