Cambodian opposition rejects Hun Sen election win

Cambodia’s opposition party said on Monday it would challenge the results of a general election in which it made impressive gains even though the ruling party of Prime Minister Hun Sen retained power.

His Cambodian People’s Party claimed victory in Sunday’s polls though its 90-seat majority in the National Assembly shrunk to 68 seats. Provisional results showed the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party took the remaining 55 seats, a major boost from the combined opposition total of 29 in the last parliament.

The results were a slap in the face for Hun Sen’s government, but the CNRP said on Monday it would push matters further. It said in a statement that voting was marked by huge irregularities, and it demanded a joint investigation committee be established, comprising representatives from the two parties, the National Election Committee, the United Nations and local and international NGOs.

“The Cambodia National Rescue Party will not accept the election results that we have heard because there are many irregularities that occurred during the election,” party leader Sam Rainsy said.

Whatever its merits, the CNRP challenge would appear to be mostly bluster. Hun Sen’s ruling party has control or dominating influence over all the state bureaucracy and the courts and will almost certainly affirm the CPP victory. Past appeals have not succeeded, and it was unclear what the opposition would do if its complaints were not sustained.