Christine Todd Whitman to Lead IRI Election Observation in Cambodia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2003

Washington, D.C. --The International Republican Institute (IRI) announced today that Christine Todd Whitman, the outgoing Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and former Governor of New Jersey, will lead a delegation of monitors to observe Cambodia's parliamentary elections on July 27. "Cambodia's citizens deserve a peaceful, credible and fair election," said Governor Whitman.

"The International Republican Institute is honored that a leader of Governor Whitman's national and international stature will be leading our observation of Cambodia's critical elections," said George A. Folsom, IRI's president and CEO.

Cambodia's July 27 parliamentary election will be its third since 1990.

About Governor Whitman

Christine Todd Whitman took office as EPA Administrator in January 2001. Her tenure saw the introduction of President George W. Bush's Clear Skies Initiative; the establishment of a watershed based approach to protecting lakes, streams, and rivers; and the passage of landmark brownfields legislation to clean up land marred by abandoned industrial sites.

Prior to leading the EPA, Governor Whitman served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey - the first female ever to hold that position. As governor Whitman cut taxes, promoted business, streamlined government, promoted tough anti-crime legislation and left New Jersey with cleaner air, water and land after her seven years in the statehouse.

Before becoming governor, Whitman headed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Somerset County Board of Freeholders. She grew up in Hunterdon County, N.J. and earned a bachelor's degree in government from Wheaton College in Massachusetts in 1968. Governor Whitman recently announced that she is resigning from the EPA effective June 27, 2003.

IRI in Cambodia

The International Republican Institute has worked to promote democracy in Cambodia since 1993, when IRI's chairman, U.S. Senator John McCain, led the IRI observation of the country's first multi-party elections. IRI has worked with all major political parties and with civil society to build democratic processes in Cambodia. IRI has observed more than 100 elections throughout the world and has been monitoring Cambodia's pre-election environment since January.

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A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide