Cambodian students have been learning about the U.S. electoral system at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh ahead of what is shaping up to be a heated contest between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton in November.
Over the past two months, ahead of elections scheduled in Cambodia for 2017 and 2018, the embassy has been hosting a series of lectures and fact-finding sessions for young Cambodians interested in democracy.
Ky Mengly, who attended a lecture and majors in International Studies, said he felt it was important for him to attend and for young people to compare their democratic system with those of other countries.
“I know how democracy works in America and it is a culture of sharing. I want the U.S. Embassy and other embassies to have a culture of sharing because the youth is good at engaging with people.”
Attendees are expected to interact with their American hosts and pose questions to speakers on a range of topics about the political process.
Yun Mengtakpitou, another participant, said what happened in the U.S. election was of global significance. “The election in the U.S. affects all the countries of the world,” he said.
The lecture series at the embassy’s Information Resource Center will run until November.
Courtney Woods, an embassy spokesman, said: “This program seeks to provide young Cambodians with Fact-based information about the U.S. election and political process.”