Cambodia opposition threatens general strike
Opposition leaders in Phnom Penh propose general strike in protest against disputed election results
Cambodia’s opposition party on Wednesday threatened a nationwide general strike to protest what it claims was a rigged election and the illegitimate return to power of authoritarian leader Hun Sen.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said he is considering calling a one-day strike for factory workers, civil servants and shopkeepers unless the ruling party agrees to an independent probe of electoral fraud and a programme of immediate reforms.
He made the comments a day after ruling party lawmakers extended Hun Sen’s rule for another five years, despite a boycott of parliament by the opposition.
Official results of the July 28 polls gave the ruling party 68 seats in parliament compared to 55 for the opposition. The opposition says it was cheated out of victory and has staged several mass demonstrations against the election results.
Sam Rainsy said his Cambodia National Rescue Party would announce its protest strategy within the next few days but was debating the idea of calling for a general strike.
“The whole country for one day will hold a strike. All factories, all civil servants, all shopkeepers will stop working that day – this is one possible idea,” he said.
“We will conduct a worldwide campaign to delegitimise this government"