Phnom Penh (FN), May 4 – Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Movement (CNRM) Sam Rainsy’s call for people not to vote is against the law.

His statement came after Sam Rainsy posted a message on Facebook on May 1: “THE REAL MEANING OF A FAKE ELECTION ORGANISED BY A DICTATORIAL REGIME ON 29 JULY 2018 has only two real choices: (1) - ABSTENTION means that you support the CNRP in your hearts and want this party to lead the country towards positive change; (2) - GOING TO VOTE (for whatever party) means that you support the CPP and want this party to continue to lead the country in the same way as it does now”.

“The July’s election is crucially important. Article 34 of the 1993 Constitution, Cambodia’s supreme law, clearly stipulates that Khmer citizens of both sexes shall enjoy the right to vote and to stand as candidates for the election in a multi-party democracy. Appealing for people not to vote violates the country’s laws as evidently outlined in Article 142 of the Law on Elections of Members of the National Assembly,” Prime Minister Hun Sen wrote on his Facebook earlier on Friday.

According to the National Election Committee (NEC), three parties including Cambodian People's Party, Cambodian Nationality Party, and Cambodian Youth Party have submitted their candidate lists; and that six other parties have confirmed to race in the July’s elections, while a total of 21 parties received registration forms from the NEC.

Prime Minister Hun Sen thanked all the development partners such as Japan, China, and Russia for their financial and technical assistances to the Kingdom's election process.

The premier also thanked the NEC, a capable Cambodia’s legal and technical institution, for its capacity in successfully organizing five general elections since 1998 and thanked Cambodian compatriots for supporting Cambodian People’s Party in all mandates to continue developing the nation.
=FRESH NEWS