Linking citizens and the state : an assessment of civil society contributions to good governance in Cambodia

Governance is recognized as the most critical challenge for development in Cambodia. Good governance requires not just government commitment but active demand from citizens and civil society. Social accountability refers to the broad range of actions and mechanisms (beyond voting) that citizens can use to help the government be more effective and accountable, as well as actions on the part of government, civil society, media, and other societal actors that promote or facilitate these efforts. This study proposes a range of recommendations, targeting government, civil society and development partner stakeholders. These are aimed at creating a more enabling environment for social accountability in Cambodia; developing necessary capacities and skills (within both civil society and government), and; expanding and institutionalizing spaces and mechanisms for citizen-state dialogue and negotiation, especially at the local level. The report also emphasizes the timeliness of fostering a culture of 'downwards accountability' at all levels and attitudinal and behavioral changes on the part of all key stakeholders.