The Uniqueness of the Democratic System in Cambodia’s Indigenous Communities

This article explains how democracy exists and shapes Indigenous communities.  The democratic practices of the Indigenous peoples are virtually unknown. And even Indigenous peoples themselves hardly realized that their traditional rule is in fact real democracy, which has shaped their communities for centuries based on their practices, culture, and context.

Rule by the people is the literal meaning of democracy, a term derived from the Greek word dēmokratia, which was used to describe the political structures of various Greek city-states, most notably Athens, during the 5th century BCE [around 2,500 years ago]. The etymology of democracy combines dēmos, meaning “people,” and kratos, meaning “rule.”

Scholars have traditionally believed that democracy refers to rule by the people, specifically through elected representatives, which originated around 2.5 millennia ago in Greece before spreading to Europe, [throughout the world] and the United States. From a general perspective, many people may consider that most European countries and the United States have shaped democracy and spread its concept across the world.

For many centuries, the Indigenous communities have practiced what can be termed “traditional democracy” in various aspects of daily life. This form of governance enables them to address internal conflicts, protect their natural resources, and foster community cohesion. It is through this lens that we recognize the unique characteristics of Indigenous traditional rule in the past, which can be summarized through several key aspects.

Firstly, the traditional communication style of Indigenous peoples fosters strong relationships within the community. In many villages, individuals know one another by name, creating an atmosphere of friendliness and support for each other. “In my village, everyone is like family; we share food, and stories, and support each other in times of need,” Jarai elder Souen Chavan. Such bonds reflect a deep spiritual democracy that permeates their interactions, and strong spiritual respect and support for each other without discrimination.

Secondly, Indigenous communities often turn to mediation for various issues in the community. Mediators, who usually are esteemed elders known as “Mekontreanh” with extensive knowledge and experience, facilitate discussions among community members and the mediator who pays careful attention to solve the conflict following Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

It should be pointed out that Indigenous community members know their roles and duties in the community. Their representatives always respond to the community’s collective interests, and he or she plays an important role in leading the whole community with grace and happiness.

This method builds peace and respect, as Kui elder Ros Lim stated. “We listen to and respect each other and seek understanding, with compromises that create happiness in our community.” The mediation process resolves conflicts and enhances community members’ relationships, Lim explained, adding that if this traditional system is to be preserved, it is good to compromise without hate. Mediation encompasses many steps, he said, such as consulting, educating, and also respecting all the people involved.

Indigenous governance structures are built on community representation and collective decision-making, Lim explained. When conflicts arise, the elders and mediators engage the entire community to hear all sides and reach a collective judgment, he said. With this procedure, both parties leave the discussion with a sense of peace and a commitment to maintaining relationships.

“Indigenous democracy means a system of governance rooted in our traditions, where decisions are made collectively, respecting the voices of elders,” said Sam At Rachana who is a Bunong Indigenous woman. “For example, in our community, elders lead discussions on important issues like land management, marriage and beliefs, ensuring the protection of our forests and resources for future generations.”

Thirdly, Indigenous cultural traditions such as weddings exemplify democratic practices through collective participation. For instance, in the Bunong community, discussions involving the groom’s and bride’s parents with the participation of elders and neighbours are an integral part of the wedding. The ceremony is a time for all to come together, share food, dance, and celebrate love. This communal involvement reinforces the values of cooperation and unity, demonstrating democracy in action.

Fourth, agricultural practices, such as rotational farming, highlight the commitment of Indigenous communities to environmental stewardship and civic engagement. For example, Indigenous villagers in Cambodia cooperate during the planting and harvesting seasons, illustrating their interconnectedness.

In practicing rotational farming, villagers help each other grow crops during the planting season, and always support each other in collecting the crops. Collective participation in agriculture is considered one of the great practices of civic engagement that is made inclusive of the Indigenous community.

Finally, in the Indigenous community, most villages have collective houses that serve as communal spaces and community buildings. It is crucial for enhancing solidarity, preserving cultural traditions, and creating a good environment for people. In the past, the Jarai people had long houses as their traditional homes for the whole family to live in the same house.

Moreover, the Indigenous community has a community hall for community meetings, ceremonies, cultural and other events. This shows that communities make time to come together. This house or hall also demonstrates that the Indigenous community has an actual space to practice democracy.

Indigenous traditional rule can be considered democracy, a vibrant and enduring system of governance that has flourished within Indigenous communities for centuries. While conventional Western notions of democracy often emphasize electoral processes, the Indigenous approach focuses on collective decision-making, cultural traditions, and community involvement.

Indigenous democracy is not merely an element but a vital aspect of the communities’ global democratic discourse, deserving recognition and respect. The Indigenous traditional rule is one of transparency and accountability that has maintained the community’s peace and happiness in the past. Therefore, today’s Indigenous generations and stakeholders should prioritize continuing to study to learn from this and promote the Indigenous rule to ensure the preservation and uniqueness of this democracy in the future.

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The article is co-written by:

Blen Romam is an Indigenous Jarai from Ratanakiri Province. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences of International Relations at the University of Cambodia.

Rim Sarem is an Indigenous Kui from Kampong Thom. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, majoring in Educational Management and Teaching, and completed the Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship Program in the United States.