Cambodia opposition leader leaves headquarters for first time in five months
Kem Sokha was recently sentenced to five months in prison for refusing to honour a court summons to testify in connection with a sex scandal in which he is involved
Tension between the country’s two main political parties has risen in recent months, with the opposition complaining of a crackdown on critics in a bid to intimidate it before a general election in 2018.
In a speech on Wednesday, Sokha called for an end to political hostilities as he registered for local elections next year.
“The CNRP wants the environment to return to normal, a political environment that is equal for all, to ensure elections that will reflect the people’s will,” he said.
The party hoped all political parties would be allowed to compete in free and fair elections, he added.
The fact that Sokha was able to leave the headquarters without being arrested signalled a cooling of the tension between the rival parties, a party member said.
“The situation is less tense now,” said Yem Ponhearith.
Members of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling party could not immediately be reached for comment.
Following a wave of prosecutions of opposition members and rights workers, Hun Sen last month declared a political “ceasefire”, saying rivals should put aside differences.
Since then, the CNRP, which has been boycotting parliament since last year, said it would return to the assembly to promote dialogue.
“Any development will depend on how the opposition party behaves,” Sopheap said, adding that the ruling party would watch the CNRP’s behaviour.