07/09/2013 09:54
Cambodia opposition rallies in push for poll probe
Thousands of supporters of Cambodia's defiant opposition rallied on Saturday to demand an independent probe into July elections they say were rigged to prolong the rule of a prime minister now facing his biggest political challenge in two decades, Reuters reported.
The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the amalgamation of what was once an impotent opposition to Hun Sen's iron-fisted rule, claims it actually won the election and has vowed to hold protests until their demand was met and urged the international community to disregard the result of the national poll.
The long-dominant Cambodian People's Party (CPP) has denied foul play and Hun Sen has said he will ignore the opposition challenge and forge ahead with forming a government.
The CPP won the election with a greatly reduced majority, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with his government, despite rapid economic growth and success in reducing poverty.
"We're here today ...to seek justice for voters who demand an independent committee to investigate election irregularities," CNRP leader Sam Rainsy told a crowd of about 20,000 people at Phnom Penh's Freedom Park, the only venue where demonstrations are allowed.
"We must end violence and impunity," said Rainsy, who returned from self-imposed exile to bolster the opposition's election campaign. "The forests are gone, the farmland is gone, there's no jobs, our youth has no future. We must work together to rescue the nation."