Thursday, June 26, 2008
Agence France Presse
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday called on political parties running in next month's general election to compete honestly and to accept the result of the poll.
The move came the day before 11 parties begin the designated one-month campaign period.
"All political parties participating in the election should compete with honesty, dignity and honour... and must accept the result of the election which reflects the will of the voters," Hun Sen said in a statement broadcast on state-run television.
The statement also called for parties to make the national interest their priority so that "we will have (a) proper, free, and fair election."
The last general elections in July 2003 saw the kingdom plunged into a year of political stalemate as parties wrangled over forming a coalition. A government was finally formed in July 2004.
Hun Sen has previously stated that he will not speak in public during the entire campaign period. He and his Cambodian People's Party are considered certain winners.
The move came the day before 11 parties begin the designated one-month campaign period.
"All political parties participating in the election should compete with honesty, dignity and honour... and must accept the result of the election which reflects the will of the voters," Hun Sen said in a statement broadcast on state-run television.
The statement also called for parties to make the national interest their priority so that "we will have (a) proper, free, and fair election."
The last general elections in July 2003 saw the kingdom plunged into a year of political stalemate as parties wrangled over forming a coalition. A government was finally formed in July 2004.
Hun Sen has previously stated that he will not speak in public during the entire campaign period. He and his Cambodian People's Party are considered certain winners.
