Cambodia’s opposition defies Hun Sen’s threat, plans to contest election

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's main opposition party said yesterday that it would stand in next year's election despite the treason charges against its leader and a threat by Prime Minister Hun Sen that it could be dissolved.

Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge commander who has ruled for more than 30 years, said on Monday that the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) would be dissolved if it continues to back detained leader Kem Sokha.

Kem Sokha was arrested on Sept. 3, and has been charged with treason over an alleged plot to gain power with US support. He is the only serious election rival to Hun Sen, who is one of China's closest allies in Southeast Asia.

In a news briefing yesterday, senior CNRP member Son Chhay said the opposition would not boycott the July 2018 general election in which it faces Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).

“The CNRP will go into the 2018 election despite the enormous difficulties,” Son Chhay said. “The only choice is to go into the upcoming election.”

Wes ter n count r ies have criticised the arrest of Kem Sokha, which marked an escalation in a crackdown on critics ahead of a poll next year that could pose the toughest electoral challenge the 65year-old Hun Sen has faced during his long rule.

On Monday, one of the CNRP's deputy presidents, Mu Sochua, had raised the possibility of an election boycott in Kem Sokha is not freed, but she said yesterday that she agreed with Son Chhay that the party should take part. — Reuters