Official in Hiding After Alleged Threat

By Mean Veasna, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
07 July 2008

A district-level organizer for the opposition Sam Rainsy Party remained in hiding Monday, a week after he claims he was threatened by a ruling party official, party officials and human rights groups said.

Tuon Ngim, 41, head of the Phnom Sruoch district office in Kampong Speu province, has not filed a complaint with election authorities.

Election monitors say this year's election has seen not been without intimidation and violence.

A Cambodian People's Party official said Monday he had contacted Tuon Ngim but had not offered him "two meters of land," a Khmer euphemism for a grave two-meters deep.

Hun Sen Discourages Election Violence [-It would be better if Hun Sen issues the message to his CPP members]

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original repoort from Phnom Penh
27 May 2008

Click here to listen to the program in Khmer

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday called for all competing parties for July’s election to avoid violence, but observers say such advisories are rarely taken seriously at lower levels of power.

Hun Sen said at a ceremony Monday respect for the rule of law is the best way to reduce violations during the election period.

Election observers and other party officials say violence is not likely to disappear from this election.

Sam Rainsy Party Secretary-General Eng Chhay Ieng said such warnings were rarely heard by Hun Sen’s low-ranking officials, and it is those officials who pose a threat.

The National Election Committee has approved 11 parties to compete in the general elections.

Norodom Ranariddh Party Deputy Secretary-General Thav Kimhor agreed with Hun Sen’s warning, but said so far his party had already had people killed.

Keo Remy, vice president of the Human Rights Party, said Monday he worried election violence could not be prevented.