Cambodians change FB profile photos to support govt

PHNOM PENH: Hundreds of Cambodians have changed their profile pictures on Facebook in support of a government campaign to show their intention of choosing “stability” in general elections, despite widespread concerns that the July vote will not be free or fair.

The campaign follows a call this week by the nowdissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), urging a boycott of the July 29 event as a “sham election” that would not reflect the will of the people.

Interior Ministry official Huy Vannak, who launched the campaign, said he came up with the idea of featuring phrases such as “We go to vote to keep peace and stability in our nation” on the profiles.

“This is called participatory democracy,” he said yesterday.

Critics say the election will almost certainly hand victory to Prime Minister Hun Sen and extend his 33year rule.

He has cracked down on critics, including the CNRP, which garnered support from a new generation of voters disillusioned at what it sees as the corruption that has stalked politics. — Reuters