Monday, July 28, 2008

Cambodian People's Party sweeps polls amid voter complaints

Monday, July 28, 2008
ABC Radio Australia

The ruling Cambodian People's Party has claimed victory in Sunday's general elections, giving another five years in power to Prime Minister Hun Sen, who's led the country for 23 years.

The Cambodian People's Party has increased its number of seats in parliament at each successive election since 1993 - claiming 80 of the 123 national seats after early counting,

In a report from Cambodia for Radio Australia's Connect Asia program, Liam Cochrane says around Phnom Penh and certain other areas, there were complaints that voter lists had been changed and thousands of names left off.

Son Chhay, from the opposition Sam Rainsy party, says they received hundreds of complaints from those unable to vote.

"We found that there a lot of people, a lot of voters who could not vote this morning, we believe that roughly around 20 percent, at least 20 percent, of the voters in Phnom Penh," he said.

"The majority voted last year; last year we had a commune election, they were all able to vote last year, why this year have their names been deleted... this is the big big question."

Ket Cheang was one of those whose name disappeared from the voting register.

"I understand that in this election there is no fairness or justice. There are just threats and, what he calls, 'buying the heart' or bribery," he said.

Early results also reveal that Sam Rainsy's party has increased its representation in the parliament.

It expects to have 40 seats - it's best electoral performance yet.

Both parties have benefited from the split within the royalist movement.

Official results are expected late Monday.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

As I saw yesterday when Counting the Ballot in One of Communes in Kandal Province.....

RUNROT and FUNCINPEC almost no votes?very little...

So that These 2 parties have no choice just they Should jump?LAMPA
LAMPA....
"These are the acts that you have done Before... KAMA...."

Preah Ang Mchas Runrot, and Phalla pleasde LAMPA LAMPA
and FUN too Lampa.....

Phalla will leave you soon to find the winners...
Be carefull Preah Anh Mchas..
Oh Ya Oh YA
Oh Yes
Cheyyo Cheyyo LAMPA

Anonymous said...

"Son Chhay, from the opposition Sam Rainsy party, says they received hundreds of complaints from those unable to vote.
"


"Peanut", Ah Jkout (Son Chhay). STFU!

Anonymous said...

Cheyo Ah Hun Khvack, my stupid leader, you still win for another term huh. this time you are very smart for not killing too many people. Bravo Ah Sam dech Khvack!!!

Anonymous said...

I was given two options when I went to the poll: ballot for Hun Sen or bullet into my heard; the choice was obviously clear. I had no other choice -- so did others!

Phnom Penh University Student

Anonymous said...

My name was taken from the voting registration because I intended to vote for the opposition. Thousands more opposition voters were taken out of the voting registration by the ruling party (CPP).